Admissions

Prerequisites

All students should have at least one course in either Genetics or Molecular Biology to gain admission to the Master of Biotechnology program. Recommended course work that makes the application more competitive includes chemistry, organic chemistry, and additional science coursework. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required by San Jose State University. Higher GPAs are more competitive.

A variety of 4-year degrees are accepted into the program including biology, molecular biology, physiology, engineering, psychology, public health, zoology, chemistry and many more.  If you have questions, please contact the MBT directors with questions.

Admissions Checklist

Step 1- Apply to the University

  • Apply online at Cal State Apply. 
  • Pay application fee 
  • GRE scores
  • Sealed official transcripts
    • For domestic transcripts send to:
      Graduate Admissions
      San Jose State University
      One Washington Square
      San Jose, CA 95192-0100
    • For international transcripts send to World Education Service (WES).
  • Deadlines for application (GAPE)

Additional for International Applicants

  • Declaration of finance form (international applicants)
  • Copy of passport biographic page (international applicants)
  • TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 7.0 (minimum requirement for SJSU) 

Step 2-Additional MBT submission requirements

  • Two sealed letters of recommendation addressed to:
    Sabine Rech, MBT program Director
    Department of Biological Sciences
    San Jose State University
    One Washington Square
    San Jose, CA 95192-0100
  • Send to either Dr. Sabine Rech (Sabine.Rech@sjsu.edu) or Dr. Leila Khatib (Leila.Khatib@sjsu.edu)
    • Downloaded copy of online application
    • Unofficial transcripts
    • Unofficial GRE
    • Statement of purpose
    • Resume
    • Unofficial TOEFL or IELTS (if applicable)
  • Interview to be scheduled during Spring semester

Admission requirements for MBT program 

US 4-year Bachelor's degree or equivalent

General GRE- writing 4.0 

Minimum GPA 2.5 (last two years of university coursework: 3.0 recommended)

TOEFL iBT 100 or IELTS 8.0 (international) or Duolingo 120

Financial statement of $41,965 or higher (international)