Step 1: Electronic Application to San Diego State University

Instructions for fall admissions can be found at the Office of Admissions. Every applicant MUST apply electronically to the CSU via Cal State Apply. It is vital to complete the CSU application as soon as possible in order to be issued your RED ID number. After you submit your electronic application, instructions on how to obtain your RED ID number will be sent to you via e-mail. This number will allow you to track your application status online and will enable the Department to create and monitor your application file.

Fall Application Period: October 1 – Feb 1

Note:

February 01 is the deadline for all of the masters programs in the Department of Biology. All documentation needed for your application must be received by February 15. This includes domestic and international applications for admission. Review of complete applications will begin shortly after this date. Admission decisions will be made until all spaces are filled. Please note that it takes several days for Cal State Apply to assign a RED ID number. To ensure that your application is on time, you should apply to Cal State Apply by January 24.

Step 2: Request and Send or Have Sent Official Transcripts and Test Scores to Graduate Admissions

Only after you have applied through Cal State Apply and received your RedID should you have official transcripts and proof of degree sent. Sending transcripts to Graduate Admissions before submitting your Cal State Apply application can result in processing delays. You must provide official transcripts to the SDSU Graduate Admissions office from all post-secondary institutions attended. Students who attended SDSU need only submit transcripts for work completed since last attendance. Please submit this information by February 1 for full consideration so your application will be considered “on time.”

Students with international coursework must submit both the official transcript and proof of degree to The Office of Admissions. If documents are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Explanations of criteria used for grading are very helpful. Do not send extraneous items such as certificates or awards. These items are not needed, and if sent, can result in processing delays.

The GRE is not required.

An applicant must take the TOEFL or other acceptable test if the medium of instruction is in a language other than English. TOEFL scores must be reported directly to the University Graduate Admissions (https://www.ets.org, SDSU Institution Code 4682). Please see Office of Admissions instructions for other acceptable forms of proof of English proficiency besides TOEFL. 

Step 3: Departmental Materials

The Department of Biology application form is required of all applicants in ADDITION to the Cal State Apply application. Complete the department application: http://apply.interfolio.com/151894

There are a limited number of teaching assistantships available. To receive full consideration for positions as a Teaching Assistant, all university and departmental application materials must be received by February 1 for fall admission.

The Department of Biology M.S. application must be received by February 1 to be considered “on time.”

The following information is needed to complete the Biology department application on interfolio:

  • Electronic copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities
  • Copies of  proof of English proficiency test (if applicable)
  • A statement of research interests and professional goals
  • CV or resume

E-mail addresses for at least three people to submit letters of recommendation. Letter writers will be prompted by the system to submit their documents. Letters are not accepted by email.

Step 4: Additional Requirements of Program Area

Applicants should read the information for specific programs for any additional requirements and information. The Ecology and the Evolutionary Biology programs require that applicants be accepted by a prospective thesis advisor before they may be accepted into the M.S. degree program.

Cell and Molecular Biology Program
Ecology Program
Evolutionary Biology Program

Step 5: Tracking Application Status

Use your RED ID number to track the status of your application online. You will be able to monitor when materials have been received and view a list of materials that are still required in order to complete your application file.

Resources

SDSU College of Graduate Studies
Application Information for Foreign Students
Registration Fees