Applying to SFSU Biology Graduate Programs

Application deadline for Fall 2014 admission is 3 February 2014. 

Application to San Francisco State University is a 3-part process. You must complete ALL parts for your application to be reviewed.

Please note: The minimum GPA requirement for applying to the M.S. in Biology program at SFSU is 3.0 in your last 60 semester (90 quarter) units.

Part I:  Apply to SFSU online at CSU Mentor

For domestic applicants click here: http://www.csumentor.edu/admissionapp/grad_apply.asp 

For international applicants click here:  http://www.csumentor.edu/admissionapp/intl_apply.asp 

Online applications are uploaded to SFSU Student Systems in 24 hours. You do not need to respond on CSU Mentor to the question related to "Statement of Purpose." Just write in that space, "see attached."

You will receive an email after you complete your CSU Mentor application with an SFSU ID number. Use this to complete the webform in Part II below.

Submit a set of official transcripts from all post-secondary (post-high school) programs attended. Send to the University (San Francisco State University, Graduate Admissions, 1600 Holloway Avenue, ADM 254, San Francisco, CA 94132.  This is required by the University for your application to be complete.

Part II:  Apply to the Department/Program using the items below:

1) To fill out the on-line application forms, you will need:

- Your SFSU ID number that was e-mailed to you after you completed your CSU Mentor Application.

- A completed All Science Transcript Form. Click here for the .pdf version or here for the .doc version.

- A statement of purpose. Click here for instructions on preparing a statement of purpose. 

Then, complete the on-line application form for the concentration to which you are applying:

• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Cell and Molecular Biology - Emphasis in Stem Cell Research
• Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology
• Marine Biology
• Microbiology
• Physiology and Behavioral Biology
• Professional Science Master's

We strongly encourage applying on-line. If you are unable to do so, click here.

2) Arrange to have Two Letters of Reference sent to us. — Download the Instructions to Letter Writers here and give this to your letter writers. 

We prefer letters of reference to be emailed to: biograd@sfsu.edu. Alternatively referees may send surface-mail letters directly to: Graduate Coordinator, Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132.

It is important to request letters from professors or scientists who can address the likelihood of your success as a graduate student in biology. The most informative letters are written by persons who are in the business of directing their own graduate students.

3) Send us your GRE scores — Use recipient code 4684. Unofficial scores may be included on your All-Science Transcript form, but official scores will be necessary for admission. Click HERE to link to the ETS web site — lots of GRE info.

Part III:  Begin to Identify potential SFSU Faculty Mentors

We admit only those applicants who have been invited to join the lab of a graduate faculty member (except for the Professional Science Master's (PSM) students, see below). Therefore, it is important for you to identify potential advisors and contact them about your interests in Biology. 

1. Browse the Biology Faculty Profiles to find research that interests you.
2. Contact via email each faculty member whose research fits with your interests and arrange an individual appointment to discuss opportunities in their laboratories. We encourage you to be proactive.
3. For PSM students, please contact Dr. Linda Chen at psm@sfsu.edu.