How To Apply
Apply Now for 2026
We are accepting applications for Fall. Please submit your application as soon as possible for consideration.
What is the Application Deadline?
Our priority application deadline for fall admission is February 15. The final application deadline is April 15.
We may begin reviewing completed applications for Fall 2026 entry as early as November 2025. Prospective students with strong applications are encouraged to apply earlier than the 2/15/26 priority deadline.
Applications completed after the deadline will be considered until the program is full, and the program will maintain a waitlist until mid-summer. Please note that international applicants should apply early to allow ample time for the visa application process.
Application Instructions
The application process is entirely online. Please complete and/or upload all of the items listed below to your application account. There is no need to mail items to our office.
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Applicants with a bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry are preferred. At a minimum, applicants must have completed two semesters of undergraduate Biology and two semesters of undergraduate Chemistry. Both 3-year and 4-year bachelor’s degrees are acceptable. An overall GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended, as well as in upper-division Biology coursework.
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GRE test-optional. Applicants are not required to submit standardized testing to be considered for admission. Applicants who have taken the GRE general exam can choose to submit their scores, and their GRE scores will be considered as a part of their whole application. GRE is highly recommended if GPA is below 3.0.
An English Language exam score (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE) is required for some international students.
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Upload a copy of your transcript from each university and college attended. Please ensure the institution’s name and your name is on the document you upload. Transcripts from any schools and study abroad programs must be submitted since Bachelor's Degree institutions typically do not list transfer and study abroad courses with grades. If still enrolled in your Bachelor's program, submit a copy of your unofficial transcript showing in-progress courses. If admitted, an official transcript with proof of graduation is required. USF undergraduates upload their unofficial transcripts for admission review and do not need to send an official USF transcript.
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Provide a two-page+ (double-spaced) statement of purpose describing why you are a good fit for USF's Master's in Biotechnology PSM program. Your statement of purpose can contain some or all of the following:
- Highlighting strengths in your academic or work experience
- Explaining any weaknesses in your academic or work history
- Describe why you are interested in the field of biotechnology and where you would like to see your career in 5 or 10 years
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Your current resume or CV lists and describes your educational history, work or job history, coursework related to the Biotechnology program, and any experiences relevant to your pursuit of graduate studies – including internships, published articles or other published materials, volunteer/community service experience, study or work outside of your home country, and any interests or activities related to this graduate program.
You do not need work experience to apply. Some of our students will enter our program straight after completing their undergraduate degree with no industry work experience. Having work or research experience can make your application stronger though.
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A minimum of two recommendation letters are required for your application, with at least one recommendation letter from a professor from your undergraduate program preferred. Additional letters of recommendation are accepted. Recommendation letters from university faculty, work managers/supervisors, or other professionals are accepted. Follow the instructions in the online application to provide the contact information for your recommenders.
You may submit your application before your recommenders upload their letters.
International Students
There are additional items and instructions for international applicants.
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Yes. For details on the waiver policy for TOEFL or IELTS scores, please see the International Students page (look for the "Exception Policy" listed under "Test Scores"). For questions, please contact the Office of Graduate Admission for the College of Arts and Sciences.
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As an international student on an F-1 visa, you can work off-campus for pay (usually at a biotechnology company) starting in the summer after your first two semesters at USF. You would work while on your CPT status - our ISSS office will help with your CPT application.
When Can I Expect an Admissions Decision?
Applicants are typically contacted four to six weeks after the priority application date about an admission decision and any scholarships awarded by the program. Once the class is filled, other qualified applicants may be placed on a waiting list.
How Long Will I Have to Decide If I am Admitted?
Generally, you will need to place a deposit within three weeks of receiving your acceptance to the program. If you fail to deposit by this time, your offer of admission may be cancelled.