Master of Science in Biology

The graduate program in biological sciences at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) leads to a research-based Master of Science (MS) degree. Our program provides the opportunity for students to receive advanced training in biological sciences and to pursue independent research investigations in specialized areas of interest. Laboratory andor field research is an integral component of the program, which emphasizes a "hands-on" approach with close faculty mentoring. Research experience also enables students to hone investigative skills related to experimental design & implementation, and data analysis & interpretation. Another important feature of our program is the Teaching Assistantship requirement, which is designed to give students the opportunity to discuss and implement pedagogical strategies employed in science education. Graduates with a MS in Biological Sciences will be prepared not only to continue study at the Ph.D. level, but also to successfully pursue careers in private industry or government affiliated labs and agencies, and to teach at the college level.

An international Master's applicant is a student who wishes to study at our university on an F-1 (student) visa, who has received a post-secondary degree from a regionally accredited college or university within the United States or outside the Unites States that meets our accreditation standards. All official post-secondary academic records including certificates, mark sheets, examination grades, degrees or diplomas in the original language of issue through the postal mail in a school-sealed envelope. Copies will be accepted for the admission decision processing.All official post-secondary academic records including certificates, mark sheets, examination grades, degrees or diplomas in the original language of issue through the postal mail in a school-sealed envelope. Copies will be accepted for the admission decision processing.Equivalent of a Bachelor's Degree from an institution that meets our accreditation standardsOverall 2.5 GPA or higher in the overall degree or last 60 units attempted. In addition to the prerequisites for entrance to CSUSM as a graduate student, our program requires the following: 1) a bachelor's degree in the biological or related sciences with minimum coursework similar to that required for our minor in Biological Sciences at CSUSM; 2) an undergraduate GPA in all completed science and math courses of at least 2.75 or a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 35 semester units of science and math.