BCP Application Process

To gain admission to the Biotechnology Certificate Program (the BCP), you must submit a University application and a departmental application as outlined in the Application Information menu below.

Application Deadline

Fall Semester Admission only:
Applications and Documents are Due May 1st.

Application Information

University Application and Required Documents

  • Complete a University Application online at Cal State Apply. 
  • Pay the nonrefundable University Application Fee (at the time you apply).
  • Mail official transcript(s) to Enrollment Management, Cal State East Bay, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward, CA 94542.
  • Complete a Departmental Application (see below).

  • Before you complete your online Departmental Application, make sure you have the following documents and information ready: 
     
    • Statement of Purpose (2-3 pages). Save as a word or PDF file. For tips on how to write your statement of purpose, see below.
    • Unofficial Transcript. A scan or print screen of your unofficial transcript from your degree granting institution is sufficient. Save as a JPEG or PDF file. 
    • List or table of science courses taken. Save as an Excel, Word or PDF file. Include all Biology, Math, Chemistry, Physics, and Statistics courses taken. Indicate institution, course #, descriptive title, grade, and year taken.
    • You DO NOT need to take the GRE.

  • With your document files on hand, begin the departmental application. The application first asks you to choose your program of interest. Choose BCP only. 
  • Finally, have three letters of recommendation sent to the graduate coordinator, Dr. Maria Gallegos.
    • Name, title, work and email address for three individuals that can comment on your academic record, research experience (if any), ability to work as a team and your integrity. 
    • For letters that will be emailed (preferred), ask your letter writer to craft a letter on official letterhead and email to maria.gallegos@csueastbay.edu from a work email address. Letters from gmail or equivalent will not be accepted. 
    • For letters that will be mailed, send them to the following address: 

Attn. Graduate Coordinator
Department of Biological Sciences,
California State University, East Bay
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd.
Hayward, CA 94542

Please note that your application packet may not be reviewed until it is complete and submitted by the deadline (including both the University and departmental applications). 

Writing a Statement of Purpose

Your statement of purpose should clearly convey your reason for choosing to pursue an M.S. degree. You should be able to address what you hope to achieve from the program and how the skills and breadth of knowledge gained will enable you to pursue future academic and/or career goals. Your statement should include reference to previous academic and research activities that have prepared you for the rigors of a graduate level degree. You should also describe your current research interests and how they might parallel some of the ongoing research projects currently underway on or off-campus. 


Who to Contact about Admission Questions

  • International applicants with University application questions or concerns (including VISA questions), should email* the International Admissions Office at iao@csueastbay.edu (CC: the graduate coordinator).
  • Domestic applicants with University Admission questions or concerns, should email* gradadmission@csueastbay.edu (CC: the graduate coordinator).
  • Applicants with departmental admission questions or concerns, should email* the graduate coordinator: maria.gallegos@csueastbay.edu.

*Use your horizon email account if possible.

What to do if you are accepted into the BCP

Assuming you have successfully applied to the University, you should be able to go to MyCSUEB and accept your admission. Failure to do so will delay your ability to enroll in classes in a timely manner. For more detailed information click here.

If you have not received your official acceptance from the University, your application may not have been processed (check back periodically) or it may be incomplete. To check the status of your application and determine if you have anything on your “To Do List”, log into MyCSUEB. Under the “Student Center” tab, you will find your “To Do List” on the right-hand side of the page. Please click on “details”. 

Next, you must enroll in courses for Fall. Failure to enroll in fall courses will cause you to be dropped from the BCP program. This process is automatic. We recommend that you enroll in courses at least four weeks prior to the first day of classes. If this is not possible due to admission issues, please contact the BCP coordinator. 

IMPORTANT: As a BCP student (or MS student wanting to take BCP courses), enrollment into BCP lab courses is guaranteed (Fall courses: Biol 601A, BIOL 415, BIOL 424 and BIOL 616).

To enroll into your fall (and spring) courses please email Natalie Granera (natalie.granera@csueastbay.edu) the office manager in the Department of Biology and Maria Gallegos (maria.gallegos@csueastbay.edu), the BCP coordinator as soon as you are able prior to the first day of the semester. Use your horizon email account and provide your net ID along with the list of courses and preferred section times.

Once the BCP coordinator approves your request you will be enrolled.  

The process for enrolling into your Spring courses (Biol 601B, 425, 622 and 620) will be the same as above.