Priority Deadline Date for Applications is December 15, 2011

Applying to this program is a two-step process as detailed below

STEP 1: Apply to the University

1) Submit the CSU application using the CSU Mentor online application along with the $55 fee. To apply, enter CSU Mentor. Click "Apply Online," then "Graduate Admission Application," then the box for "Fall (current year)." Log in. (Create an account and password, if necessary.) Select "San Diego State University Graduate," then (at bottom) "Start Application for San Diego State University." Select appropriate semester/year and "San Diego campus." Under "Major/Program objective," select "Evolutionary Biology (PhD)." Continue with application.

Applications for Fall 2012 will be available on-line on October 1st 2011; priority will be given to those applying by December 15, 2011. After applying to the CSU, you will receive an e-mail with instructions for obtaining a Red ID Number. This number will enable you to track your application status online through the Web Portal system and will enable the Department to create and monitor your application file.   

NOTE:  Only after you have applied through CSU Mentor and received your Red I.D., should you send official transcripts and other documents.  Sending transcripts and other materials before submitting your CSU Mentor application can result in processing delays. 

2) Submit one set of original and official transcripts of all previous academic work attempted to Graduate Admissions.

You must submit one set of official transcripts in sealed envelopes from each issuing institution. This would include all degree transcripts and a transcript from the last institution attended. Your transcripts must reflect the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted.

Students with international coursework must submit all official transcripts and proof of degree(s) obtained. If certificates and transcripts are not in English, they should be accompanied by certified English transcriptions. International students should also refer to Admissions Procedures for International Students website for additional instructions and requirements.

NOTE:  Please do not send extraneous items such as certificates and awards as they are unnecessary.  If these items are sent, they could result in processing delays.

Send transcripts to:

Graduate Admissions/Enrollment Services
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego CA 92182-7416

3) You must also send official GRE results forwarded by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The general GRE is required. The SDSU Add/Institution Code is 4682. You do not need to add a department code. Please note: The Subject GRE is recommended but not required, only the General GRE test is required.

When you apply to the University (Step 1 above), please request that the Educational Testing Services (ETS) report your scores directly to SDSU.  Our institution code is 4682.  When you submit supplemental application materials to the Biology Department (Step 2 below), you may also enclose a copy of your test scores, which could help expedite the completion of your application file.

4) In addition to the general GRE test, foreign students must also submit TOEFL scores.  TOEFL test scores are required if Postsecondary instruction is in a language other than English.  NOTE:  Students who have received a degree at an institution/university in the United States do not need to submit TOEFL scores.

TOEFL requirements for foreign students are as follows:
T-IBT = TOEFL Internet-based test (minimum 80 required)
T-CBT = TOEFL computer-based test (minimum of 213 required)
T-PBT = TOEFL paper-based test (minimum of 550 required)

NOTE:  TOEFL scores expire after two years.

Foreign students will also need to submit a financial support document (go to SDSU International Student Center web page). The following paragraph can be included in your financial document:
"Annual stipends (currently $20,000 per year) are provided for all joint Ph.D. students, as is the full cost of tuition. Students receive a complete health benefit package." 

STEP 2:  Submit Supplemental Application Materials to Department

In addition to the CSU application, applicants must also submit supplemental materials to the Biology Department

1) Resume or Curriculum Vitae

2) Statement of Professional Goals (usually one to three pages in length).  NOTE:  This is a more detailed version than the statement submitted on the CSU Mentor application.

3) At least three Letters of Recommendation in sealed envelopes (form available online [PDF])

4) Photocopy of ETS scorecard containing GRE and/or TOEFL scores (may also be submitted by fax at 619-594-5676 or as a PDF file via email to swinford@sciences.sdsu.edu).

5) Unofficial transcripts in order to expedite the review process.  

Review of applications for Fall 2011 will commence in early January 2011 and will continue until positions are filled. In order to ensure consideration, you must submit the CSU application by December 15.

Assemble one COMPLETE supplemental applications packet and mail to:

Medora Bratlien, Evolutionary Biology Joint Doctoral Program Administrator
San Diego State University, Department of Biology
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego CA 92182-4614

NOTE:  While a complete supplemental application packet is preferred, we understand that some materials may need to be sent separately (reference letters, transcripts and test scores).  Be aware that we will be unable to review your application file until it is complete.

STEP 3: Tracking Application Status:

Use your Red I.D. 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.  Please bear in mind that we receive thousands of applications so it may take some time for the information to be added to the WebPortal System.

Other helpful information may be obtained at the following SDSU links:

Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/fao/index.html

International Student Center
http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/isc/

On-Campus Housing
http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/housing/

Cashier's Office
http://bfa.sdsu.edu/fm/co/sfs/