Biotechnology, MS

Admission Requirements—Domestic Applicants

The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.

• Graduate application for admission
• $45 nonrefundable application fee
• Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate study
  An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures.
• Preferred baccalaureate degrees for the biotechnology master’s degree include: BS in Biological Sciences, BS in Engineering, BS in Chemistry, BS in Mathematics, or related degrees.Résumé
• Two recommendation letters, to be submitted by those with knowledge of your professional ability and potential
• One-page personal statement describing why you wish to study biotechnology at APU as well as where you see yourself going in this career field
• In-person interview for qualified, selected applicants

Admission Requirements—International Applicants

Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents respectively).

To apply for a graduate program at APU, the following requirements must be fulfilled in addition to meeting the domestic applicant and program-specific admission requirements specified above.

International applicants must also:

• Demonstrate proficiency in English through a placement test with the Academic Success Center, or through a TOEFL/IELTS score that meets program-specific requirements. Refer to APU’s English proficiency requirements to learn more. Request that official test scores be sent to APU. All other forms of proof indicated in the English proficiency requirements must be submitted directly to International Services.
• Provide a Graduate Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and a bank statement from within the last six months proving financial ability to pay for education costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.
• Submit a copy of a valid passport showing biographical data, including your name, country of citizenship, date of birth, and other legal information.
• Get foreign transcripts evaluated. International credentials (transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees) must be evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation agency. View our policy and a list of approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agencies.

Send official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
gpadmissions@apu.edu

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Delivering high-quality graduate programs takes a comprehensive support system. Your investment in an advanced degree includes those services and personnel that partner with you in pursuit of your biotechnology master’s degree.

Financial Aid

Several types of financial aid are available to graduate students. The resources range from federal loans and state grants to, for some graduate programs, fellowships and scholarships. For details about financial aid available for your program, please contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Programs Requirements

Five-Year BS in Biochemistry Plus MS in Biotechnology Pathway

Undergraduate students can complete a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (Research Emphasis) and Master of Science in Biotechnology in just five years. The combination of these two degrees prepares graduates for success in biotechnology careers. Biochemistry majors admitted to the MS in Biotechnology program can take up to 9 units of 500-level graduate coursework during their senior year, finishing the remaining 30 units for the master’s degree over the next year (e.g., 6 units in the summer term, 9 units in the fall term, and 15 units in the spring term).

Students interested in completing this five-year pathway should apply to APU as a biochemistry major and by the end of their sophomore year declare the research emphasis. During their junior year (after completing BIOL 280 with C- or better), students must apply to the MS in Biotechnology program. The graduate application fee will be waived. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher to be considered for the MS program and five-year pathway. Once a student has been accepted into the MS program, they can begin their graduate coursework in their senior year, according to the course requirements indicated in the catalog. For more information about this pathway, contact biologyandchemistry@apu.edu.

Entry requirements differ among graduate schools and jobs. Students are responsible for researching the requirements of graduate programs and professions in which they are interested.

If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.

Contact Your Admissions Representative

Additional Program Contact

David L. Dyer, PhD, program director, (626) 815-2088, msbt@apu.edu

Student Services Center

Contact (626) 812-3016 or admissions@apu.edu, and visit apu.edu/ssc for details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration.

International Services

International students should contact +1-626-812-3055 or international@apu.edu, and visit apu.edu/international/.

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).