Step1: Electronic Application to San Diego State University
Every applicant MUST apply electronically to the CSU via the CSU mentor. There is a $55 application fee. 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 - March 1
PLEASE NOTE: February 1st is the preferred deadline for all of the masters programs in the Department of Biology. This includes domestic and international applications for admission. Review of complete applications will begin shortly after this date and priority will be given to completed applications received by February 1. The Department of Biology will continue to review completed applications received after February 1 and admission decisions will be made until all spaces are filled.
Step 2: Request and Send or Have Sent Official Transcripts and Test Scores to Graduate Admissions
Only after you have applied through CSU mentor and received your red id, should you have official transcripts and proof of degree sent. Sending transcripts before submitting your CSU mentor application can result in processing delays. You must provide official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) 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.
Students with international coursework must submit both the official transcript and proof of degree. 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.
Send official transcripts to:
Graduate Admissions
Enrollment Services
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-7416
Only the General GRE is required. GRE scores may be reported directly to the University (www.ets.org, SDSU Institution Code 4682). A copy of your ETS score card may be sent along with the department application materials or it may be faxed to 619-594-5676.
An applicant must take the TOEFL, if the medium of instruction was in a language other than English. TOEFL scores may be reported directly to the University (www.ets.org, SDSU Institution Code 4682), A copy of your ETS score card may be sent along with the department application materials or it may be faxed to 619-594-5676.
Step 3: Departmental Materials
The Department of Biology application form is required of all applicants in ADDITION to the CSU electronic application.
There are a limited number of teaching and graduate assistantships available. To receive full consideration for positions as a Teaching Assistant or Graduate Assistant, all departmental application materials must be received by February 1 for fall admission. Applications for TA and GA positions will be accepted after these deadlines, but may receive secondary consideration.Get PDF Reader
Submit to the Department of Biology:
1. A Biology Department Application Form (PDF file 128KB).
2. At least three letters of recommendation in sealed and signed envelopes. These may be sent along with your department application materials or sent directly by the referee. Letters of recommendation may also be emailed directly by the referee to the Department of Biology Graduate Advisor. The SDSU Recommendation Letter Form (PDF 400kB) may be used.
3. A personal statement one to three pages in length. In your personal statement, not only state the nature of the graduate research you would like to pursue at SDSU, but also state why SDSU is an appropriate institution for you to conduct your graduate studies. It would also be helpful if you elaborated on your long term academic and/or career goals. (Note: Where it asks on the CSU Mentor application for a statement, indicate that you have already sent a statement directly to the department/program.)
4. Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
5. An optional Application for TA or GA position (PDF 98kB).
6. In addition, it is strongly recommended that applicants also provide unofficial transcripts and copies of GRE scores to the Department in order to expedite the review process. (optional)
Please send Department Materials to:
Graduate Advisor
Biology Department
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-4614
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.
Ecology Program
Evolutionary Biology Program
Cell and Molecular Biology Program
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.
Useful Links:
Application Information for Foreign Students
Biology Graduate Advisor
Dr. Tod Reeder
Biology Department
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182-4614
Phone (619) 594-6375
Email: twreeder@mail.sdsu.eduCell and Molecular Biology MS adviser
Dr. Constantine TsoukasEcology M.S. Adviser
Dr. Kevin HovelEvolutionary Biology M.S. Adviser
Dr. Kevin Burns
