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.

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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.

NOTE:  When submitting the graduate application applicants who will plan to pursue a research career, including those intending to enter a doctoral program in biological science, should select the thesis option.  The non-thesis option is only for applicants who need an advanced knowledge of biology, but not necessarily of research, such as secondary school educators, advanced health care degrees, and other pre-professional programs.

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

Not all departments offer graduate assistantships. Students should inquire with the department directly to determine assistantship availability.

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 . The Office of Student Financial Aid is located in Simmons Hall.

Tuition and Fees

Current tuition and fees schedules can be found through the .

Financial Aid Information: A number of students are supported on Research Assistantships which provide stipends for 10 months. These assistantships also provide a complete waiver of tuition in the form of a tuition scholarship. Once accepted, as long as your remain a graduate student in good standing we guarantee at least four semesters of funding with a fifth semester of funding possible. The availability of these assistantships is based on the ability of individual faculty to provide the necessary funds. If you are interested in a particular faculty members research please contact that member to inquire further about their work and any current opportunities that they may have.

Health Insurance, Low cost graduate student housing, and health insurance are available through the university.