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Department of Biological Sciences College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics

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MS in Biotechnology | Stem Cell Program

Notice for Applicants

  • Applications will open on Oct 1st, 2026.
  • The application submission deadline will be 5pm on Feb 15th, 2027.
  • Applications will only be reviewed following the submission deadline; thus, there is no advantage to applying early.

About the Sac State Stem Cell Program

Students in our Stem Cell Program will earn a Master of Science (MS) degree in Biotechnology from California State University, Sacramento. The goal of our MS Biotechnology/Stem Cell Program is to provide advanced coursework and a cutting edge research experience to prepare graduates for success in the stem cell workforce.

Our graduate program is in partnership with the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) Stem Cell Program. Students take three semesters of graduate level coursework at Sacramento State and conduct 8-months of research at UC Davis. In addition to conducting research at UC Davis, students also take courses on stem cell laboratory techniques and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) at UC Davis.

Academic Program Overview

  • 20-month Master's Program, spanning 5 semesters total (including one summer).
  • 4 semesters of graduate-level classes at Sacramento State.
  • Stem Cell Research Techniques Training & Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) summer courses at UC Davis.
  • 12-month research internship at UC Davis
  • Some UCD faculty members' research interests include:
    • Mesenchymal and adult stem cells, microRNAs, wound and bone-fracture healing, and revascularization
    • Bioelectric regulation of cell migration and growth during wound healing; neural and embryonic stem cells
    • Derivation of cardiac pacemaker cells from embryonic stem cells
    • Liver biology, hepatocyte derivation from human embryonic stem cells, transplantation models, and bioengineered organs
    • Skin wound healing and local immune responses following burn injury
    • Genome editing and stem cell-based therapies for neurological diseases
    • Stem cell and cancer epigenetics
    • White blood cell migration, endothelial stem cells, cell migration under shear stress, and endothelial cell development from human embryonic stem cells
    • Engineered cellular therapies for targeted treatment of neuroblastoma
    • Development, proliferation, and migration of neural precursor cells that generate cortical neurons and glia
    • Immunotherapy, scleroderma, and clinical trials
    • Cell and gene therapy clinical trials, product formulation, clinical research coordination, and CAR T-cell therapies
    • Skeletal stem cells, bone regeneration, bone–blood crosstalk, aging, and regeneration
    • Biomaterial scaffolds and matrices for spinal repair and in utero stem cell transplantation for congenital conditions, including spina bifida and hemophilia

To read about the research students in our program can participate in, click UCD Stem Cell Research below. To read more about CIRM, the agency that supports this graduate program, click California Institute for Regenerative Medicine below.

UCD Stem Cell Research California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM)

Program Structure

This is a CIRM Bridges program

California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Bridges programs are designed to prepare students for highly productive careers in stem cell research and therapy development. In our Bridges program, student research takes place at the UC Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures (IRC) and affiliated institutions, located within a few miles of the CSUS campus. Stem cell-related translational research is conducted with participating disease teams, including: heart disease, traumatic brain injury, Huntington's disease, swallowing and airway disorders, chronic diabetic wounds, cancer, HIV, and more.

Program Highlights & Benefits

  • 12-month paid research internship at the UC Davis Stem Cell Program supported by CIRM:
    • $3,600/month stipend for the 12-month internship, totaling $43,200.
    • 3 semesters of paid tuition during the 12-month internship.
    • Please note: tuition is not supported outside of the 12-month research internship period—thus, students are responsible for two-semesters of full-time tuition. For current university tuition rates, click here.
  • Research advising from faculty at UC Davis & mentoring from faculty at Sacramento State.
  • Opportunity to contribute to the development of treatments or cures for debilitating conditions.

Culminating Research

Click below to read about research conducted by previous students in our program:

Stem Cell Student Research Blogs

General Program Schedule

In the first fall semester of the program, students take a full-time course load of graduate-level coursework at Sacramento State. During this semester, they are also matched with a research mentor at the UC Davis Stem Cell Program. Students select from a list of participating investigators, choose which laboratories to interview with, and ultimately decide which laboratory to join.

Working with their UC Davis mentor, students develop a research plan, write a research proposal, and present an advancement seminar to a committee composed of Sacramento State and UC Davis faculty. The committee determines whether the student is qualified to advance to candidacy and begin the research internship.

Students begin their 12-month research internship in January. During the spring, summer, and fall semesters of the internship, students engage in full time research at their UC Davis laboratory while taking a reduced course load at Sacramento State. They also participate in a course on good manufacturing practices (GMP) and receive a monthly stipend of $3,600.

The research internship concludes at the end of the fall semester. During their final spring semester, students return to a full focus on Sacramento State coursework and thesis completion. They take a final elective course, write their thesis, and present and defend their research before a committee composed of Sacramento State and UC Davis faculty. Students who successfully complete all program requirements are eligible to graduate at the end of the spring semester in May.

Students are expected to participate in all required components of the program, including Sacramento State coursework, the UC Davis research internship, the STEM regenerative medicine lecture series, and professional development activities. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all coursework.


Coursework Schedule

FIRST YEAR

Fall (8 units): BIO 220. Introduction to Scientific Inquiry; BIO 222. Molecular Biology; BIO 227. Development and Regenerative Medicine.

Spring (6 units): BIO 221A. Cell and Molecular Methods and Techniques; BIO 294A. Seminar in Molecular and Cellular Biology.

Summer (4 units): BIO 294A. UC Davis Lab Course in Pluripotent Stem Cell Techniques; BIO 225. Stem Cell Biology and Manufacturing Practices; BIO 299. Problems in Biological Sciences.

SECOND YEAR

Fall (5 units): BIO 224. Genomics, Proteomics, and Bioinformatics; BIO 299. Problems in Biological Sciences

Spring (8 - 9 units): BIO 500. Master's Thesis; One graduate level elective

Applying to the Program

Who Should Apply?

  • Highly motivated students interested in:
    • Stem cell-related translational research.
    • Gaining the skills necessary for a job as a senior research associate in an academic laboratory or biotech company.
    • Working in other areas related to stem cell-based research or therapies (MS, PhD, or MD).
  • Students with a baccalaureate degree in biology (or closely related field) with 24 units of upper division biological science courses with a grade of C- or better. Students must have earned a minimum GPA of
    • 3.0 in upper division biology coursework
    • 2.75 in all biology coursework
    • 2.5 overall
  • Please note that the MS in Biotechnology program does not currently accept applications from international students.

Application Package Requirements

  1. General Application: submit online through calstate.edu/apply.
  2. One set of official transcripts: It is recommended that you submit transcripts online. Alternatively, you can also have official transcripts sent directly to your home address. If you keep the transcript sealed it is still considered official. You can then mail to:
    Office of Graduate Studies (OGS)
    River Front Center, Room 206
    CSU, Sacramento
    6000 J Street Sacramento, CA 95819-6112

For more information about transcript submission, including information about application fees, please review the most current information provided by the Sac State Office of Graduate Studies (Click Here).

The GRE is not required for this program. Even if you have taken the exam, please do not submit GRE scores. This is a new change to our program—the campus catalog may not yet reflect this change. We apologize for any confusion.

Submitting Supplementary Application Materials

  1. Complete and submit the Supplementary Application (found on Cal State Apply).
  2. Statement of Purpose: Please describe (1) your interest in stem cell research, (2) experiences that have prepared you for our program, (3) your interest in our specific program, (4) your career goals, and (5) any barriers you have faced. Page limit: 2 pages maximum, single-spaced, with 12-point font.
  3. Two letters of recommendation: When you begin your application in CalStateApply, you will submit your letter writers' information and a link will be sent to them. We recommend you give your letter writers at least one month's notice regarding the letter deadline, and then send them reminders 2 weeks and 1 week prior to the deadline.

To submit supplementary materials described you must:

  1. Submit your application at Cal State Apply.
  2. Load your Supplementary Application & Statement of Purpose under the "Documents" tab on Cal State Apply.
  3. Use the "Recommendations" tab to provide information about your two letter writers. They will be sent a link via email to submit their recommendation letters on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many students do you accept each year, and how many apply?
We admit up to 8 students per year. The number of applicants varies annually but is often between 50–70.

Is it possible to start in the spring semester?
No. The program only admits students for a fall start.

How is the MS in Biotechnology different from the Stem Cell Program?
They are the same program. The former MA in Biological Sciences (Stem Cells) track has been elevated to the MS in Biotechnology. The MA in Biological Sciences (Stem Cells) option has been discontinued.

When would I select my UC Davis research advisor?
Newly admitted students will interview with and select a UC Davis research advisor during their first semester.

Can I do my research internship with a Sac State mentor?
No. This program only supports research projects in regenerative medicine, and currently there are no Sac State faculty conducting research in this area. If you are interested in doing master’s research with a Sac State faculty member, you should contact that faculty member directly to discuss pursuing the MS in Biological Sciences under their supervision.

What financial aid is available besides the stipend?

Please contact the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office for information on additional aid options.

Do I need to list a Sac State advisor on the Supplementary Application?

No. You will not have a Sac State advisor. That requirement only applies to the MS in Biological Sciences program.

What is the timeline of application review?

See below:

Timeline for Applicants

Dates Period
Oct 1 – Feb 15, 5pm Applications accepted.
March Application review.
March/April Applicants will be intermittently notified if they will be invited to a Zoom interview.
Online Cal State Apply Application

Commitment to Educational Equity & Diversity in Science

At Sacramento State we embrace diversity and understand that bringing people of diverse backgrounds together can improve scientific innovation. A prominent goal of the Stem Cell Program is to promote diversity within our program and the broader scientific community. To that end, students who are from historically minoritized groups or economically disadvantaged backgrounds should feel encouraged to apply.

Sacramento State Stem Cell Program Academic Committee

The Stem Cell Program Academic Committee provides continued support for the duration of the program.

  • Kimberly Mulligan, PhD (Program Director, Stem Cell Program Advisor, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences)
  • Erin Olsan, PhD (Committee Chair, Stem Cell Program Advisor, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences)
  • Robin Altman, PhD (Stem Cell Program Advisor, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences)