PSM in Biotechnology Admissions

Application Deadlines

Interested in applying for our next cohort? We are currently accepting applications for students looking to start our program in Fall 2025.

Fall 2025 Priority/International Deadline: Friday, February 7th, 2025

Fall 2025 General Deadline: Friday, June 27th, 2025

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.edu. Note: 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.