Master of Science in Biology

A core mission of our program is to provide high-quality graduate training in marine biology research. Students interested in marine biology-related topics enter the Master of Science in Biology program and work directly with marine biology faculty to design and carry out basic and applied research projects.

Graduate work in marine biology at CSU Long Beach provides students with solid training in experimental design, field and laboratory research, statistical analysis, and science communication. These skills permit our graduates to pursue a wide diversity of science-related careers, including teaching at the community college level, work in biological consulting firms, or positions in regional, state, or federal resource management agencies.

Many of our graduates also continue their studies in Ph.D. programs, opening up even more career opportunities.

graduates students in the lab and in the field

There are three key steps in the admission process:

  1. Contact prospective marine biology faculty advisors to discuss joining their lab. A faculty member in the department must agree to serve as a thesis advisor to the student before that student can be accepted into the M.S. program.
  2. Complete a University graduate application through Cal State Apply.
  3. Complete a Biological Sciences graduate application.

The official deadline for both the University and Department of Biological Sciences graduate applications is February 15, for students starting the graduate program the following Fall semester. We must receive your complete application packet by February 15 for you to be considered for certain scholarship applications (e.g., the Handloser Graduate Tuition Grant Program in Marine Biology). In order to be considered for financial aid or out of state tuition waivers, students must have FAFSA forms submitted to the University financial aid office before the February 15 deadline.

Graduate teaching assistantships (TAships) and graduate lab assistantships (GAships) are available through the department on a competitive basis for up to 20 hours work per week for the academic year (9 months). Teaching and graduate assistants are eligible for a benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance for the calendar year. To apply for TA/GA positions, students must submit an application. The number of positions available each semester varies depending on the number of applicants.

Fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial assistance from university, state, federal, and private sources are also available. More information about fellowships and loans can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office on campus.

For incoming Marine Biology graduate students, the Handloser Graduate Tuition Grant Program in Marine Biology is a tuition grant is offered on a competitive basis for the Fall of each year to at least one outstanding entering graduate student accepted to the Department of Biological Sciences, who will be working on marine biology-related research. The award will cover the cost of California in-state tuition for the recipient’s first two semesters at CSULB.

For general questions relating to graduate study in marine biology at CSU Long Beach, please contact the faculty member(s) whose lab(s) you are interested in joining.

For specific questions relating to Department and University application processes, please reach out to the Department of Biological Sciences Graduate Student Coordinator found on Graduate Program - Biological Sciences.