Overview

Laboratory and/or 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 including experimental design, implementation, data analysis, and interpretation. Another important feature of the 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 an M.S. in Biological Sciences at the California State University San Marcos will be prepared to continue study at the Ph.D. level, to successfully pursue careers in private industry or government affiliated labs and agencies, and to teach at the college level.

Our program fosters the integration of many disciplines. A wide range of faculty expertise and research interests enables the department to offer a curriculum that spans the fields of molecular genetics, aquatic biology, evolution, ecology, physiology, biotechnology, microbiology, immunology, and molecular cell biology. Students may develop a program of courses and research tailored to their individual needs within the areas of faculty expertise. In addition, students may choose a research supervisor outside of the Biological Sciences Department, allowing them to pursue interdisciplinary studies, special field research, or industrial projects. Seminar courses focus on the primary literature and are presented as a forum for open interchange and dissemination of scientific knowledge.

The department has sophisticated research laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation. Facilities include a vivarium, greenhouses, tissue culture laboratory, elemental analysis equipment, environmental growth chambers, numerous aquaria, flow cytometry, and equipment for radioisotope and modern molecular biology work. Excellent computer facilities and GIS software are also available. The close proximity of the campus to marine, chaparral, and desert environments provides many opportunities for field studies.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate with a Master of Science in Biological Sciences will be able to:

Actively participate in and lead discussions about current topics and selected research topics to become highly knowledgeable about specific areas in biology.

Locate, acquire and critically evaluate primary literature in the biological sciences.

Develop specific hypotheses/aims pertaining to a research problem and design and conduct a study or experiment to accomplish this goal.

Quantitatively analyze and interpret biological data (e.g., class project, original thesis research).

Critically evaluate, synthesize and report on biological data (e.g., class project, original thesis research) in oral and/or written formats based on their knowledge of biology.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Principles of Biology: Human Emphasis

Microbiology for Health Sciences

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Scientific Communication

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Marcos, United States

Disciplines

Biology Biotechnology Genetics View 203 other Masters in Genetics in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Application Materials sent directly to the Admissions Office of Cal State San Marcos

Application Materials sent directly to the Biological Sciences Department

A completed Biological Sciences Application Form

Official transcripts of all colleges and universities attended. Unofficial transcripts from CSUSM.

Two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic performance and potential for independent research.

A completed spreadsheet of only math and science courses (available on the department web site), sent by email to the graduate advisor.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

17688 USD / year

≈ 17688 USD / year
Out-of-State

17688 USD / year

≈ 17688 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

7608 USD / year

≈ 7608 USD / year

Living costs

San Marcos

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Biological Sciences.

Available Scholarships

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About

Overview

Student Learning Outcomes

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

San Marcos

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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