How To Apply

Applicants interested in SCILL need to:

1. Apply to graduate studies at San Jose State University through                         Cal State Apply
2. In Cal State Apply, choose the SJSU Biology Department Master degree (Molecular Biology and Microbiology) or Master in Biotechnology (MBT) programs.
3. Complete SCILL interest form for SCILL information updates.
4. The following are also required:
   
   • Two completed recommendation forms or letters.
   • A statement of purpose, specific to SCILL
   • Curriculum Vitae
   • GRE scores (GRE is currently being waived) 
   • TOEFL/IELTS or Duolingo – if applicable
   • Transcripts from all universities- can be unofficial

These documents can be retrieved from your CSU application once you are accepted to the university.

Due Dates

Please note: you must apply to the university before we can consider you for SCILL.  Please make sure you submit your application to Cal State Apply before the March 1st deadline. Applications may be submitted anytime before March 1st and will be reviewed in the order they are received. Priority will be given to early applicants. Interviews will be scheduled in February-March. Admission offers will be made as we go until all positions are filled. Final decisions for the new SCILL cohort will be made by May 1st. 

Application Procedure for SCILL

• Step 1 - Interest form

  • Complete and submit the SCILL Interest form 

• Step 2 - Recommendation Letters

  • Two letters of recommendation from previous employers or instructors required. 

    * These documents can be retrieved from your CSU application once it is accepted by the university.

• Step 3 - TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo

  • Applicants whose language of instruction for their higher education was not English are required to provide unofficial copies of TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores. International students whose language of instruction was English must provide proof from their degree-granting institution. 

    * These documents can be retrieved from your CSU application once it is accepted by the university.

• Step 4 - Additional Documents

  • Provide:

    • Unofficial copies of all your University transcripts.
    • A statement of purpose specific to SCILL.
    • Curriculum Vitae

    * These documents can be retrieved from your CSU application once it is accepted by the university.

• Step 5 - Interview

  • All qualifying applicants will be called for an interview. 

For additional inquiries and information call (408) 924-4890 or email Bree Grillo-Hill bree.grillo-hill@sjsu.edu or Salma Farid salma.farid@sjsu.edu

• When is your application period?

  • We are currently accepting rolling applications from November 1st to March 1, for the next Fall semester.

    Submit your application now!

• Are there any other requirements? 

  • In addition to the online form, we need the following  supplementary application documents.

    -Two completed recommendation forms or letters.
    -A statement of purpose, specific to SCILL
    -Curriculum Vitae
    -GRE scores (GRE is currently being waived) 
    -TOEFL/IELTS or Duolingo – if applicable
    -Transcripts from all universities- can be unofficial

     * These documents can be retrieved from your CSU application once it is accepted by the university.

• How do you decide which students are accepted?

  • Review the Selection Process page to see if you qualify first.

• What are your hours of operation?

  • 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday

• When do I know if I've been accepted?
  • You will be notified between April and May following the application deadline.
• How can I contact you?
  • SJSU SCILL Program
    Department of Biological Sciences
    ISB 552
    Email: scill-group@sjsu.edu