Biology Master of Science

Departmental Requirements for Admission to the Program without Deficiencies

Applicants should have completed an undergraduate degree in the Life Sciences earning a 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) or above and demonstrate the requisite evidence of training and the motivation necessary to succeed in graduate study.  Supporting science background includes physics, statistics or calculus, and organic chemistry.

At least two current (within the last 6 months) letters of recommendation from individuals qualified to assess the applicant's academic background in Life Sciences is required.

Program Requirements

The Master of Science degree has both a thesis option program and a non-thesis option. Appropriate courses are chosen after consultation with the student’s advisor and graduate committee. For Thesis students,  the Department of Biology recommends in-depth study in the student's thesis area.  For Non-Thesis students, the Department of Biology recommends broad training in biology including cell and molecular, ecology and evolution, organismal and population biology coursework.

A. Thesis Option

A minimum of 30 semester hours is required, as follows:

Seminar (three semesters)

Biology courses (at least 21 credit hours)

Written Proposal and Proposal Defense

Thesis Research

Written Thesis and Thesis Defense

Total Credit Hours for Program Completion: 30

B. Non-Thesis Option

A minimum of 30 semester hours is required, as follows:

Seminar (three semesters)

Biology courses*

Electives (any department)

Final Comprehensive Exam

Total Credit Hours for Program Completion: 30

NOTE: *BIOL 690-BIOL 691 may not be used toward the Non-Thesis Option.