PSM in Biotechnology Admissions

Supercharge Your Future

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Dr. Jim Pesavento with some Biotech students in the lab.

Expand Your Expertise in the Business and Science of Biotech

Our two-year Professional Science Master's in Biotech program equips students with a fundamental foundation in both the business and science of the larger biotech industry, real-world internship experience, and an MS degree upon graduation—all through a social justice lens that remains true to the Lasallian tradition of Saint Mary's.

We believe our small cohort model and commitment to close mentorship is a great fit for students who are looking to break into the biotech industry and those who have been working in the field and would like to advance professionally.

Our next cohort will begin in Fall 2024 and we encourage you to take your first step with confidence. Check out more details about the application process, deadlines, and submit our easy-to-complete online application using the button below.

 

Application Deadlines
  • Priority/International Deadline: Friday, February 2nd, 2024
  • General Deadline: Friday, June 28th, 2024

Students are still encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible to ensure timely application review and processing.

Application Checklist
  • Official Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded for initial application review but all applicants must submit official transcripts for all higher education institutions if accepted into the program. Official digital transcripts can be sent to smcadmit@stmarys-ca.eduNote: Current SMC students and alumni will not have to submit official transcripts.
  • Current Resume/CV: Please be sure to include your educational background and any work experience in biotech or a related field.
  • Personal Statement: Applicants are asked to provide a 2-3 page, double-spaced document addressing their goals, how they're prepared to achieve success in a graduate biotechnology program, and how they can contribute to the program and the wider Saint Mary's community.
  • Two (2) Letters of Recommendation: We require two recommendation letters from people familiar with the applicant’s ability to be successful in the classroom and pursue graduate-level work. At least one of the letters should reference your potential for professional growth in the field of science and the contributions you would bring to the program.
  • GPA Exemption Petition: If your undergraduate GPA is below 2.8, please submit a statement that includes relevant information about past academic or personal circumstances and evidence of your ability to succeed in a graduate program.
  • Non-Refundable Application Fee ($50): Fee waivers are occasionally available for students—please contact cas38@stmarys-ca.edu with any requests.
  • Completion of Interview**

**An interview process may be considered as part of the admission criteria at the discretion of program leadership.

 

Prerequisites & Admission Requirements

Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re looking for when it comes to program candidates:

  • A bachelor’s degree in a Biotech-related field (e.g. Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or Genetics)
    • Students with a bachelor’s degree in a different field must have completed:
      • One year of Biology,
      • One year of General Chemistry,
      • One upper-division course in Biology, preferably in the field of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Genetics or Biochemistry.
  • 3.0 GPA or higher (recommended);
  • Please note that the PSM in Biotechnology program does not require applicants to submit Graduate Records Examination (GRE) scores.

 

International Applicants

Saint Mary’s PSM in Biotechnology deeply values the intellectual and cultural diversity that International students bring to the classroom. As such, we strongly encourage International students to apply to our program.

Due to the federal requirements involved in providing our International students with educational visas, International applicants will be required to submit additional documents with their application. Please refer to Saint Mary's International Graduate Admissions page for more information.

Make a Positive Impact

Our program values diversity of all kinds and believes that every student can contribute something unique to the overall classroom atmosphere. As such, Saint Mary's PSM in Biotechnology encourages students from all backgrounds, including current workers in the industry, recent graduates, and International students, to apply.

Upcoming PSM in Biotech Events

School and Department Information

Vidya Chandrasekaran, Ph.D.
Program Director, PSM in Biotechnology
vc5@stmarys-ca.edu
925-631-4251


Collin Skeen
Assistant Director of Admissions and Recruitment 
cas38@stmarys-ca.edu
925-631-4190