Application Procedure for Masters Programs

Step1: Electronic Application to San Diego State University

PLEASE NOTE: Review of complete application files will begin December 1st for the fall semester and August 1st for the spring semester.
 

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 arrange to have sent official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) sent to Graduate Admissions 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 can be reported directly to the University (www.ets.org, SDSU Institution Code 4682) or a copy of your ETS score card can 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 can be reported directly to the University (www.ets.org, SDSU Institution Code 4682) or a copy of your ETS score card can 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 October 1 for spring admission and February 1 for fall admission.  Applications for TA and GA positions will be accepted after these deadlines, but may receive secondary consideration.

The Department requires at least 2 letters of recommendation for each applicant file. Letters of recommendation must be in sealed envelopes from the institutions and/or persons writing the recommendation.

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 can be accepted into the M.S. degree program.  The Cell and Molecular Biology program requires the submission of a résumé or curriculum vitae along with the departmental application and statement of purpose.

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:

SDSU Graduate Division

Application Information for Foreign Students

Registration Fees

Biology Graduate Coordinator
Dr. J. David Archibald
Biology Department
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182-4614
Phone (619) 594-6919
Email:  darchibald@sunstroke.sdsu.edu

Cell and Molecular Biology MS adviser
Dr. Constantine Tsoukas

Ecology M.S. Adviser
Dr. Todd Anderson

Evolutionary Biology M.S. Adviser
Dr. Kevin Burns