How To Apply

Applicants interested in SCILL need to:

1. Apply to graduate studies at San Jose State University through CSU Mentor.
2. In CSU Mentor, apply to SJSU Biology Department Master degree (Molecular Biology and Microbiology) or Master in Biotechnology (MBT) programs.
3. Complete SCILL application package. This is in addition to University requirements.  
   • SCILL Online Application
   • Three completed recommendation forms or letters.
   • A statement of purpose, specific to SCILL
   • Curriculum Vitae
   • GRE scores (GRE is currently being waived) 
   • TOEFL/IELTS or Duolingo – if applicable
   • Transcripts from all universities- can be unofficial

Due Dates

Please note: you must apply to the university before we can consider you for SCILL.  Please make sure you submit your application to the university before the university's deadline which may be different from the SCILL deadline. Applications to SCILL may be submitted anytime before March 1^st prior to the Fall academic year of interest. Applications will be accepted until spots available are filled. Decisions for the new SCILL cohort will be made by May 1st.

Application Procedure for SCILL

• Step 1 - Application Form

  • Complete and submit the application form 

• Step 2 - Recommendation Letters

  • Three letters of recommendation from previous employers or instructors required. Please have them submitted directly to scill-group@sjsu.edu 

• Step 3 - TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo

  • Applicants whose language of instruction for their higher education was not English are required to provide unofficial copies of TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores. International students whose language of instruction was English must provide proof from their degree-granting institution. Note: We will consider applications without GRE scores if you don't have them.

• Step 4 - Additional Documents

  • Provide:

    • Unofficial copies of all your University transcripts.
    • A statement of purpose specific to SCILL.
    • Curriculum Vitae
• Step 5 - Submit your Application Package

  • Submit electronically: scill-group@sjsu.edu

For additional inquiries and information call (408) 924-4872 or email Tzvia Abramson tzvia.abramson@sjsu.edu or Salma Farid salma.farid@sjsu.edu

• When is your application period?

  • We are currently accepting rolling applications from November 1st to March 1, for the next Fall semester.

    Submit your application now!

• Where do I submit my application?

  • In addition to the online form, you must submit supplementary application documents electronically.

    Please send your documents electronically to

    scill-group@sjsu.edu

• How do you decide which students are accepted?

  • Review the Selection Process page to see if you qualify first.

• What are your hours of operation?

  • 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday

• When do I know if I've been accepted?
  • You will be notified between April and May following the application deadline.
• How can I contact you?
  • SJSU SCILL Program
    Department of Biological Sciences
    Duncan Hall, Room 446
    Email: scill-group@sjsu.edu