Biology

The Biology MS program offers students exciting research opportunities in modern biological sciences. Areas of interest for graduate research include: pollination biology, conservation biology, physiological ecology, life history evolution, mating systems, aquatic ecology, evolution in developmental processes, behavioral evolution, spider biology, biomedical research, biomaterials, biofilms, environmental microbiology, hypertension and stress research, bio-materials and biomechanics, developmental molecular biology and physiology, comparative biochemistry, and evolutionary biomechanics. Students entering the MS program must have a potential advisor identified during the application process. We encourage applicants to contact the Biology Graduate Coordinator for a current list of faculty accepting graduate students.

Admission Requirements

• Hold a baccalaureate degree in biology or  have equivalent training.
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (4.0=A) and a 3.0 average in biology (minimum 32 semester credit hours or equivalent).
• Competence in chemistry and mathematics is expected.
• Applicants must provide scores from any one or more of the following standardized tests: GRE (General Test), GRE (Biology-specific Test), or the MCAT.  Scores are expected to be above the 25th percentile to be competitive for admission.
• Letter of interest indicating proposed area of specialization and possible advisers in the Department of Biology.
• Letter from the potential Biology Adviser indicating willingness to sponsor the applicant.

Application Deadline

Applications to the master's degree program in Biology are accepted on a rolling basis; however, review begins in January and February for Fall enrollment.

Additional Information

The M.S. degree is obtained upon completion of required coursework and a research thesis. Each student, in conjunction with a graduate committee, plans coursework, seminars and research based upon the student's background and interests. A total of 40 graduate credit hours are required for the degree. Of these 40, a minimum of 12 must be in thesis research credits, 24 in formal coursework, and 4 in colloquium. A non-thesis option is available for individuals with a current teaching certificate or co-registration with the College of Education toward obtaining teaching certification.

Assistantship/Scholarship Information

All assistantships (and any fellowships) are awarded through the academic department. Students interested in obtaining an assistantship must apply. New students may indicate on their online application for admission that they would like to be considered for an assistantship. Current students must contact the academic department for application information. Each department may have different requirements for assistantship applicants, so all students should contact the academic department to determine these particular requirements. Only those students fully admitted to a master’s or doctoral degree-seeking program are eligible for a graduate assistantship. Students admitted as non-degree seeking or to a certificate program may not hold an assistantship.

Financial Aid Information

Paying for college is a vital part of the education process. It is important to be informed of the many sources of aid available. Student loans are available to degree-seeking graduate students. Information on student loans can be found through the Office of Student Financial Aid. The Office of Student Financial Aid is located in Simmons Hall.

Tuition and Fees

Current tuition and fees schedules can be found through the Office of Student Accounts.