Master of Science in Biology

The graduate program of the Department of Biology will provide state-of-the-art educational experiences that will prepare students to make valuable contributions to society where a knowledge and understanding of biological organisms and processes are required (e.g., biodiversity, conservation and the environment, health sciences, and biotechnology). Students will learn laboratory and/or field techniques and will conduct independent research within the biological sciences. They will also acquire the skills necessary for communicating biological information to professional scientific peers as well as to the lay public.

• to enhance the student’s depth of understanding of selected topics in the biological sciences.
• to cultivate skills for acquiring knowledge in the life sciences, both for matriculation and life-long learning.
• to increase the student’s understanding of experimentation, observation and data analysis, and their application to defined questions in biology.
• to develop an awareness of available tools and fiscal limitations of conducting specific scientific endeavors.
• to enhance communication skills, both written and oral, for purposes of conveying biological information to both professional scientists and the lay public.

The Master of Science in Biology curriculum reflects the diversity represented by the interests of faculty in the Department of Biology. This diversity enables Masters students to customize their program of study while ensuring that they receive exposure to a range of topics. Graduate courses communicate discipline-specific knowledge and also hone universal scientific skills, such as knowledge of modern techniques in the disciplines, critical thinking skills, and scientific literacy, writing, and presentation.

Our graduate students typically receive financial support for their studies in a number of ways, including:

• Teaching Assistantships (TAs) - contact the Chair of the Biology Department
• Research Assistantships (RAs) - contact individual faculty members
• Awards and Scholarships
• Research awards supported at the level of the College, University, and CSU System
• Financial Aid
• Division of Research & Graduate Studies

To be admitted into the Biology Department Master of Science program, students must first be admitted as a post-baccalaureate student at California State University, Fresno. Key requirements include:

1. A bachelor's degree in biology (or the equivalent) is required. Applicants must have official transcript(s) sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
           Attn: Graduate Admissions
           5150 N. Maple Ave M/S JA57
           Fresno, CA 93740
           Electronic transcripts: imaging@csufresno.edu
           *Unofficial transcript(s) need to be attached for preliminary review inside Cal State Apply
            
2. 2.5 cumulative GPA or 2.5 GPA in the last 60 units.
3. Applicants must submit a CV that highlights educational background, research experience/interest, teaching experience/potential, funding/awards. (Documents/“CV/Resume” section inside Cal State Apply)
4. A personal statement (250 – 500 words) of why you want to pursue the Biology MS at Fresno State. The statement should include your choice of research lab, your field of research interest, and your proficiency/preparation for this field of study. (Documents/“Personal Statement” section inside Cal State Apply)
5. A diversity statement (250 – 500 words) about how your personal background and life experiences inform your decision to pursue a graduate degree, and will contribute to the social, intellectual, or cultural diversity within our campus community and your chosen biological field. (Documents/“Other” section inside Cal State Apply)
6. You must secure your thesis advisor prior to acceptance into the MS program of Biology. Your thesis advisor shall be a faculty member in the Department of Biology or a member of Biology MS faculty group. (Thesis Advisor section inside Cal State Apply)
7. Two recommendations (numeric evaluations & letters) (ideally from academic references) are required. (Recommendations section inside Cal State Apply)

 Applicants meeting all the Departmental admissions criteria may be admitted as classified students. Should an applicant fail to meet some of these admission requirements, that applicant may still be admitted as a conditionally classified student. Visit the Division of Research & Graduate Studies website for more information on "Conditional" or "Classified" standing.

Visit the California State University, Fresno Division of Research & Graduate Studies website and the California State University, Fresno Catalog website for more admissions information.