myCSUSM
Application Deadlines
Applications to the Master of Biotechnology program are reviewed on a rolling basis; apply at any time! However, priority is given to applications that are received by these deadlines:
- Fall 2024: July 10, 2024
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the Master of Biotechnology program you must complete the general requirements and prerequisites listed below.
- General Requirements
- Two letters of recommendation
- One-page personal statement describing your reasons for pursuing this program
- Résumé or curriculum vitae
- One official transcript from each academic institution attended
- An undergraduate GPA in all completed science and math courses of at least 2.75 or a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 35 semester units of science and math
- GPA of 2.5 on last degree completed or last 60 semester units
- No GRE required to apply
- Prerequisite Courses
Admission to the program requires an undergraduate degree with a major in a bioscience, chemistry or related area. Alternatively, if you have a BA or BS degree in a related field or equivalent work/certification experiences, you may be considered for conditional admission.
While a minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required, admissions will consider pertinent background, prerequisite courses and the likelihood for successful completion of the program.
Generally, you should have courses or experience in:
- Molecular cell biology or molecular/cellular biotechnology (i.e. BIOL 351 or BIOT 355/356)
- Microbiology or biology of microorganisms (i.e. BIOL 160 or BIOL 367)
- Statistics (i.e. BIOL 215 or MATH 242)
- Chemistry and biochemistry (i.e. CHEM 150 and CHEM 341/351)
If you have not completed an upper-division biochemistry course you may be required to take CHEM 341 or 351.
Connect with a Specialist
Set up an appointment with your enrollment specialist to learn how you can take advantage of the Master of Biotechnology program.
Sujeith Ordonez, M.A
Senior Outreach & Recruitment Specialist
CSUSM Extended Learning
(760) 750-8453
Funding Options
The biotechnology master’s degree program is eligible for financial aid.
Visit the funding page or call 760-750-4850 to learn more about your funding options. Active-duty military, veterans and dependents should visit the military services page or call 760-750-8705.
Federal VA educational benefits can be used for this program (not eligible for Cal Vet fee waiver).
FUNDING OPTIONS
Visit the funding page or call 760-750-4850 to learn more about your funding options. Active-duty military, veterans and dependents should visit the military services page or call 760-750-8705.
Federal VA educational benefits can be used for this program (not eligible for Cal Vet fee waiver).
FUNDING OPTIONS
Program Costs
Complete the Master of Biotechnology in five semesters, thanks to guaranteed class availability that ensures no delays in your educational journey. The program consists of 40 units, priced at $875 per unit, with tuition discounts available for active-duty military personnel.
Invest In Your Future: A Breakdown of Your Educational Journey's Cost
| Semester | Units | Subtotal* |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester 1 | 9 | $7,875 |
| Spring Semester 1 | 9 | $7,875 |
| Summer Semester | 6 | $5,250 |
| Fall Semester 2 | 9 | $7,875 |
| Spring Semester 2 | 7 | $6,125 |
| Total | 40 | $35,000 |
*Not all university semester fees are included in this table—see the comprehensive breakdown of Extended Learning fees. Semester tuition subtotals are based on a sample program sequence. All quoted tuition rates are based on previous academic years and are subject to change without notice.
Courses
This program has a set schedule of courses that you are expected to follow as part of your cohort. You can view all course descriptions on the Master of Biotechnology course catalog page.
Year One
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
| CHEM 440: Protein Structure and Function for the Life Sciences | 3 |
| CHEM 440L: Protein Structure and Function for the Life Sciences Lab | 1 |
| BIOT 660: Scientific Communication in Technology Industry | 2 |
| BA 504: Accounting for Managers | 3 |
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
| BIOT 600 + Lab Genomics: DNA/RNA Technology | 5 |
| BIOT 650: Regulatory Affairs and Quality Management | 3 |
| BIOT 500: Preparation for the PSM and Bioscience Engagement | 1 |
Classes are typically held Monday-Thursday from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Schedule is subject to change.
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
| BIOT 620: Bioprocessing and Bioengineering | 3 |
| BA 506: Management of Complex Organizations | 2 |
| BIOT 680 A or B: Semester-in-Residence Writing Workshop | 1-2 |
Year Two
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
| BIOT 630: Experimental Design and Statistics in Biotech | 3 |
| BIOT 655: Business Law & Intellectual Property in High-Tech Enterprises | 2 |
| BA 670: The BioEntrepreneur: Science to Market | 2 |
| BIOT 675: Bioscience Beyond the Borders | 2 |
| BIOT 681 A or B: Semester-in-Residence/Internship | 4-5 |
| BA 627: Business Analytics and Project Management | 3 |