Graduate Programs

Two graduate degrees are offered by the Biological Sciences Department:

  • Biology, M.S.
  • Microbiology, M.S.

The Biology and Microbiology M.S. degrees cover a wide spectrum of biology and include both laboratory and field study. Graduate students in our program work with a faculty advisor on original scientific research to complete and defend their thesis. We value faculty-student relationships as key determinants of graduate student success.  As such, prior to admittance, prospective students should receive confirmation from a faculty advisor about acceptance into their laboratory. Please review our list of research faculty and contact faculty whose research aligns with your interests to inquire about space in their research laboratory.

For more information on our graduate degrees, please see the Biological Sciences entry under the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, in the University Catalog.

The department considers both undergraduate qualifications and relevant life and research experience to admit students to the Biology and Microbiology M.S. degree programs. The degree is a good fit for students looking to prepare for further studies at the doctoral level and for professional careers in education, industry, consulting, research, and government. Our Biology and Microbiology M.S. degrees are also appropriate choices for students seeking to increase their competitiveness for training in health professions (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine) and many specialized and competitive programs in allied health (Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, etc.). In addition, an M.S. degree in either Biology or Microbiology, combined with appropriate courses in education, can be utilized for a career in teaching.

We are pleased that you are interested in applying to our program. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Graduate Services Coordinator. Other resources for prospective students include the Graduate Studies Resource Center and the Graduate Student Biology Society that can offer advice for the application process and insight into the M.S. program in the Biological Sciences Department at CSULB.

Application Process and Deadlines

Applicants are required to send application materials to both:

  1. the University through Cal State Apply
    • Please submit the University application via Cal State Apply by the February 15 deadline. The application fee and one set of official transcripts must to be sent directly to the CSULB Office of Admissions. Additional information about applying to the University can be viewed at CSULB Admissions or at International Admissions.

  2. AND the Biological Sciences Department (see Departmental Application under Admission Policies, below).

February 15 is the deadline for both the Biological Sciences Department application and the University application for the following Fall semester.

To be considered for financial aid and awards you are also required to submit FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) forms by the CSULB priority filing deadline (typically March 2). Please see CSULB Financial Aid for additional information.

For admission into either the Master of Science in Biology or Master of Science in Microbiology degree programs, an applicant must be accepted by both the University and the Biological Sciences Department.