Selection of Program Participants

Students are selected on the basis of their academic and related professional accomplishments and potential. The Admissions Committee reviews all applications with a careful examination of each applicant's background, related industry experience, professional and educational goals, and desire to succeed.

Note: Individuals not admitted or not wishing to be admitted to the degree program may enroll in individual Regulatory Affairs and Biomedical Quality Systems courses through the College of Extended Studies. Fees will be $515 per unit. There is a limit on the number of units transferrable into the degree program.

Successful applicants to the professional masters degree programs will generally possess a background in one of the disciplines offered in the life and physical sciences, or engineering. In selecting participants, the Admissions Committee will consider the following areas:

Professional experience

• Length, breadth and depth of your related professional experience
• Potential for career advancement
• Support of your employing organization
• Career goals

Academic Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association
• Previous related graduate-level coursework, when available
• Performance on the GRE General Test (verbal and quantitative portions only)

All students must satisfy the general admission and examination requirements for admission to the University with classified graduate standing.

Additional Criteria

• Potential contributions to the learning experience of the class
• Maturity and motivation
• Ability and willingness to make a two-year commitment
• Recommendations from employers and peers

Application requirements and procedures are also fully described in the Bulletin of the Graduate Division. An application interview may be included as part of the admission process. The interview, which can be scheduled before or after an application is submitted, provides applicants with the opportunity to elaborate upon their qualifications and to ask questions about the suitability of the program to their needs.

Candidates for admission will typically come from one of the disciplines offered in the life sciences, physical sciences, or engineering. In some cases, candidates who have not fully completed the undergraduate requirements may be admitted with conditional classified standing, subject to space availability. Students so admitted will be advised as to the nature of their deficiency and the time allowed to achieve full classified graduate standing. If the student's undergraduate preparation is insufficient, the student will be required to take courses for removal of the deficiency. Courses taken to make up such deficiencies are in addition to the minimum units for the master's degree and may not be included on the student's program of study. Admissions forms and information are available on this site and by contacting the Center for Bio/Pharmaceutical and Biodevice Development. Applicants are forewarned that SDSU will designate them as a "non-resident" for this special sessions degree program. If in the future, the applicant wishes to enroll as a resident in regular classes, they will need to document resident status at that time.

Where Our Students Reside...

The Regulatory Affairs and Biomedical Quality Systems programs have a number of out-of-state students. The programs also have students who reside in California but do not live in San Diego. So if you are wondering whether you will be able to complete these programs from outside of San Diego... the answer is yes! The few graduate business courses that cannot be completed online may be taken at your local accredited college or university, with prior approval..