Admissions

Recommended coursework for a competitive application includes chemistry, organic chemistry, and additional science coursework. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required by San José State University. Higher GPAs are more competitive. The Master of Biotechnology program only accepts applications for Fall admissions.

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.

Graduate Admission and Program Evaluation GAPE

Step 1- Apply to the University

• Apply online at Cal State Apply. 
• Pay application fee 
• GRE scores or waiver
• official transcripts
  
  • For domestic transcripts send to:
    
    Graduate Admissions
    San José State University
    One Washington Square
    San José, 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 6.5 or DET 120 (minimum requirement for SJSU) 

Step 2 - Additional MBT Submission Requirements

• Two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume should be either emailed to the MBT director (Sabine.Rech@sjsu.edu) or a hard copy can be sent to the address below:
  
  Sabine Rech, MBT Program Director
  Department of Biological Sciences
  San José State University
  One Washington Square
  San José, CA 95192-0100
  
  
• Interview to be scheduled during Spring semester

• US 4-year Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• General GRE-writing 4.0 (lower scores can be reviewed by the Directors)
• Minimum GPA 2.5 (last two years of university coursework: 3.0 recommended)
• TOEFL 80 or IELTS 6.5 or DET 120 (international) 
• Financial statement as required by GAPE (international)

Fall 2025 admitted students must accept their admission if they plan to enroll by (1) saying ‘yes’ through Intent to Enroll and (2) paying a $200 non-refundable (and non-transferable) enrollment deposit by June 1, 2025 in order to register for Fall 2025 classes. The $200 enrollment deposit will be applied towards your tuition and fees once you enroll in Fall 2025 classes. For more information visit Mandatory Intent to Enroll webpage on the Graduate Admissions website.