Thank you for your interest in our new graduate program in Biology. Our faculty have worked very hard designing a program that will provide students advanced knowledge and education in biology. Laboratory and/or field research is an integral component of the program, which emphasizes a "hands-on" approach with close faculty mentoring. A wide range of faculty expertise and research interests enables the department to offer a curriculum that spans the fields of molecular biology, genetics, animal, plant and cell physiology, animal and plant ecology, zooarchaeology, taxonomy, systematics and evolution. Graduates with an MS in Biology will be prepared to continue study at the Ph.D. level, to pursue careers in private industry or government labs, and/or to teach at the community college level. We are pleased to offer both a thesis and non-thesis option for the M.S. degree in Biology.
Course requirements with course descriptions may be viewed here (a pdf file).
In addition, here is a link to a CSUB Master of Science Program in Biology Graduate Student Guide (pdf file).
We are very excited about this program and are pleased that you are interested in joining us. Some of the special features of our program include:
* Close, individual guidance by highly skilled faculty
* Incorporation of science pedagogy and teaching experience
* Many late afternoon and evening course offerings, making the program accessible for persons who work during the day
* Close partnerships with the private and public sector. With appropriate approval, students will be able to conduct their thesis research off campus in a partnership with a company or governmental agency.
* Well-equipped, modem laboratory facilities and access to numerous field sites in the area
To pursue the Master of Science Degree in Biology, you must make separate applications to and be accepted by both the University and the Department of Biology. Applications to the University and information on admission requirements may be requested from the Office of Admissions, (661) 654-3036. Admission forms can be obtained here. In addition to the prerequisites for entrance to CSUB as a graduate student, our program requires the following: 1) a bachelor's degree in the biological or related sciences; 2) an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 90 quarter (60 semester) units of course work; and 3) Graduate Records Examination scores of 1000 or greater (verbal and quantitative). The CSUB Testing Center has information and links for the GRE.
To apply, please submit the following items:
1. Completed Department Application Form
(download Application pdf) and Supplement
(download Supplement pdf) for admission
to the Master's program in Biology. Note that this form requires
a statement of interests and educational and career goals.
2. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended,
including CSUB.
3. Score reports for the GRE General Test (international students
must also submit TOEFL scores)
(Applications
will not be evaluated until GRE scores have been received).
4. Three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with
your performance in the classroom and potential for independent
research.
We also have a limited number of paid Teaching Assistantship positions. As a Teaching Assistant, students will help teach introductory Biology laboratory sections in Biology 100, 103, Sci 213, and others as necessary.
APPLICATION DEADLINES:
Fall Quarter: March 15
Winter Quarter: September 15
Spring Quarter: January 15
Send all completed departmental application materials to:
Dr. Paul Smith, Graduate Coordinator
Department of Biology 14 SCI
9001 Stockdale Highway
Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Smith by telephone (661) 654-2385 or e-mail.
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