Application Instructions For Graduates
The Biological Sciences Master of Science Graduate Program admits new students once each year during the Fall semester.
Deadlines:
November 1 - Applications are not accepted prior to this date.
February 1 - Application deadline.
Other graduate information can be found on the Humboldt State Graduate Student Admissions website.
You can track your application to see where you are in the process!
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Complete the online CSU Graduate Admission Application.
You must file a FAFSA (Opens January 1st, with a deadline of March 2nd) to be eligible for a Graduate Teaching Assistant Fee Waiver, however, fee waivers are contingent upon funding.
Important:
You must contact at least one potential advisor before you submit your application to see if the advisor is taking on new students. You can make these contacts by phone, email, or (best) in person. Please make sure that your objectives discuss your research interests and career goals, to better determine which faculty will be the best fit, and to convince at least one faculty member that you would make a good graduate student. Check the Biological Sciences web site for the list of faculty and research areas.
Note:
Graduate advisors are always on the lookout for promising students, so don’t be shy about making these contacts. You should be proactive and assertive about your strengths.
Decisions about acceptance will not be made until your completed application file has been reviewed, but these prior conversations with potential advisors should reveal whether you are a serious candidate for consideration.
2. The following items must be sent to Graduate Student Admissions:
Humboldt State University
Office of Admissions/Graduate
1 Harpst Street
Arcata, CA 95521-8299
• Completed admission application and a $55.00 application fee is required at time of application.
• Official transcripts (a transcript is NOT considered official unless it is received by Admissions in the original sealed envelope) from your current college and all previous colleges you have attended. Note: If you have previously attended HSU, you do not need to make a formal request for your HSU transcripts to be produced. Graduate Admissions will automatically forward your HSU transcripts to the Biology Department.
3. The following items must be sent to the Biological Sciences Graduate Program:
Humboldt State University
Dept. of Biological Sciences Graduate Program
Attn: Liz Weaver
1 Harpst Street
Arcata, CA 95521-8299
• Three letters of reference.
These letters should be from university instructors who can judge your promise as a graduate student. Letters may be faxed or emailed to me, eaw4@humboldt.edu , but they must be followed by the signed originals sent via regular mail.
• An official report of your GRE General Test Scores is required..
The Subject Test Scores in Biology is optional.
The following codes must be included so that the Biology Dept. receives them:
Institution Code for Humboldt State University: 4345Humboldt State GRE Biology Department Code: 0203
• A detailed Statement of Purpose - Your statement must specify:
(a) identify potential research areas that are of interest to you;
(b) identify at least one or more faculty who should review your file;
(c) express your reasons for pursuing a M.S. degree.
Information about financial aid, scholarships, and costs can be found here:Financial Aid
Information for international applicants is available at: http://www.humboldt.edu/international
If you're interested in a schedule of classes, please see the Class Schedule
You will find the current campus information in the college catalog
Information about housing is at http://www.humboldt.edu/housing
Information regarding jobs & career resources can be found at the Career Center
If you are a non-resident of California, non-resident fees are an additional $372 per unit at this time. If you have questions about residency, please go to http://www.humboldt.edu/admissions/apply/eligibility/residency.html
Further questions can be directed to:
Dr. Michael Mesler
Graduate Coordinator
Department of Biological Sciences
mrm1@humboldt.edu