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Biology M.S.

The Department of Biology offers graduate studies leading to the degree of Master of Science in Biology with a thesis and a non-thesis option (see below). The program is designed to provide graduate education for students who intend to pursue vocations in industry, government, teaching, research, and further graduate education leading to a doctorate. The department offers course work and research in the following general areas: genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, evolutionary biology, phylogenetics, developmental biology, molecular biology, synthetic biology, microbiology, insect biology, conservation biology, and ecology. This program is designed for students preparing for careers requiring analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.

Master of Science in Biology--Total Semester Hours=30

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for admission to Graduate School, the requirements for admission to the Master of Science in Biology are as follows:

  1. Bachelor’s degree in science with a major in biology or a closely related field from an accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.
  2. A satisfactory score on the General Test (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Students who do not have satisfactory scores on the GRE may be admitted under the condition that they obtain a grade of "B" or higher on a prescribed set of undergraduate and/or graduate courses that are approved by the department.
  3. A satisfactory grade point average on all prior advanced (junior, senior and graduate) work taken.
  4. A satisfactory score on TOEFL or an equivalent test for applicants whose native language is not English.
  5. Curriculum Vitae.
  6. Statement of research interests.
  7. Approval by departmental Graduate Affairs Committee and the Graduate Program Coordinator.
  8. Consideration may also be given to one or more of the following: the applicant's demonstrated commitment to his or her chosen field of study, socioeconomic background, first generation college graduate, multilingual proficiency, geographic region of residence, and level of responsibility in other matters including extracurricular activities, employment, community service, and family responsibilities.

Degree and Graduation Requirements

Thesis Option

Each candidate for the M.S. degree in Biology (thesis option) must:

  1. Complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit including six hours of thesis (BIOL 5395, BIOL 5396).
  2. Complete a research-based thesis.
  3. Maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on all course work. Only grades of “B” or better can be applied toward the degree.
  4. Demonstrate satisfactory performance on a final comprehensive oral and/or written examination covering the courses, thesis and other academic or laboratory components of the student’s program selected by the graduate advisory committee.

Non-thesis Option

Each candidate for the M.S. degree in Biology (non-thesis option) must:

  1. Complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit including six hours of Biological Research (BIOL 5394).
  2. Maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on all course work. Only grade of B or better will be applied toward the degree.
  3. Demonstrate satisfactory performance on a final comprehensive oral and /or written examination covering the courses, a non-research based professional paper, and other academic or laboratory components of the student’s program selected by the graduate advisory committee.