Biology, MS

Admission Requirements

  • Baccalaureate degree in Biology or have equivalent training.
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 (4.00=A) and 3.00 average in Biology (minimum 32 semester hours or equivalent).
  • Competence in Chemistry and Mathematics is expected.
  • Applicants must provide scores from any one or more of the following standardized tests: General GRE, Biology-specific GRE, or MCAT. Students are expected to score above the 25th percentile to be competitive for admission. Full admission is required for a teaching assistantship or tuition waiver.
  • Statement of purpose.
  • A letter of interest indicating proposed area of specialization and possible advisers in the Department of Biology.
  • International students - In addition to the above requirements must have a minimum score of 79 on the internet-based TOEFL and one of the following:
    • minimum score of 23 on the speaking portion of the TOEFL, or
    • a passing score on the U-Adept test.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Review begins in January/February for fall enrollment.

Thesis Option

The program is primarily for the student who will pursue a research career, including the student who intends to enter a doctoral program in the biological sciences.

Course work in addition to the master’s research and seminars (must be approved by the student’s advisory committee) – 24 credits.

Research and thesis – minimum of 12 credits.

Participation in seminars – minimum of four credits.

Summer study at a biological station is available.

Nonthesis Option

This program is designed for secondary school teachers for whom the M.S. probably will be a terminal degree and who do not need research experience. The program is open to applicants possessing a teaching certificate or those coregistering with the College of Education and showing normal progress towards qualifying for a certificate.

The requirements are the same as the research option except that no thesis and research is undertaken, but a total of 40 credits of approved coursework (including a maximum of four credits for seminar participation) is required.

For additional details concerning admission standards, degree requirements and selection of options, refer to the Department of Biology Graduate Student Guide.