Biological Sciences, MS (BIOSCI-MS)

CIP Code: 260101

Program Description

The program leading to the Master of Science degree provides students with the opportunity to gain a solid foundation in modern interdisciplinary biology. Graduates transition into careers as professionals in industry, government, education, healthcare and research organizations, or pursue further professional training.

Students may pursue an M.S. degree in biology through one of two options:

Option 1: Thesis Option - requires the submission and oral defense of a thesis based on original research performed while enrolled as a graduate student at the university. Candidates will be advised to enroll in specific graduate-level courses deemed appropriate for successful understanding of the research to be undertaken.
Option 2: Coursework Option - requires the successful completion of 30 semester credits of graduate-level course work, including a critical literature review, a laboratory rotation, and a final oral examination.

In the application, prospective students should indicate whether they plan to pursue Option 1 or Option 2.

All candidates must meet requirements for the Master of Science degree defined below along with specific requirements of the option chosen.

Program Admission Requirements

To meet the minimum requirement for admission to the graduate program in biological sciences, applicants must fulfill the requirements for admission established by the School of Graduate Studies. In addition, a bachelor’s degree in the biological or biochemical sciences including coursework in organic chemistry, physics, and calculus is strongly recommended. Admission preference is given to students with a grade-point average of 3.00 or better on a 4.00 scale.

Graduate Assistantships and Tuition Scholarships

Graduate assistantships and tuition scholarships are available to students on a competitive basis. Applicants are ranked based on their prior GPA, relevant experience, letters of recommendation, and fit with faculty research interests. Students awarded assistantships are given a stipend and a tuition waiver and are only granted to Option 1 thesis-based students. Students must maintain full time (6 credit hours) status to have a financial assistantship. Scholarships cover tuition and are given to both thesis and non-thesis students.

Program Learning Objectives

Students enrolled in this program will learn to:

Program Learning Outcomes

As a result of their learning experience, graduates of this program can:

apply advanced knowledge of core biological principles-including molecular, cellular, organismal, ecological, and evolutionary biology-to analyze and solve complex biological problems
design and conduct independent scientific research, including hypothesis development, experimental design, data collection, and analysis
evaluate scientific literature and integrate findings to support research questions and conclusions
communicate scientific information effectively in both written and oral formats to diverse audiences, including academic, professional, and public stakeholders
apply appropriate statistical and computational tools to analyze biological data and interpret results
adhere to ethical standards in the conduct of research, including responsible data management, authorship, and use of human or animal subjects

Information for International Students

This program qualifies as a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree for the purpose of a STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. Certain students on an F-1 visa may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. Students can learn more on the USCIS website.

For More Information

General Program Requirements

Students who are candidates for the Master of Science degree in biology (in both Options) must meet the following requirements:

The candidate must complete a minimum of 30 semester credits.
1. A maximum of 8 credits of graduate courses may be transferred from other institutions.
2. At least 20 semester hours must be at the 6000-8000 level in biological sciences and related fields.
The candidate must maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average.
No more than 6 credit hours of “C” grades may be applied to the degree.

Program Core: 6-12 Credit Hours

Students in both options will complete the following:

BIO 6080 - Writing in the Biological Sciences Credit Hour(s): 3
3 Seminar courses, 2 must be offered by the Biological Sciences Department (3-9 Credit Hours):
BIO 6020 - Current Literature in Biology Credit Hour(s): 3
BIO 6920 - Graduate Seminar Credit Hour(s): 1

Option 1 - Thesis Option: 18-24 Credit Hours

The College of Science and Mathematics requires a Program of Study to be filed with the School of Graduate Studies by the second week of the second semester of enrollment for full-time students, and by the time 12 credit hours have been taken for part-time students.
Candidates must submit an approved thesis proposal with the Graduate Committee by the end of the second semester. This proposal should be prepared in consultation with the student’s advisory committee. Students who have not done so will not be premitted to continue enrollment in BIO 8990 (Graduate Research). Upon acceptance of the thesis proposal by the advisory committee, one copy is filed in the graduate student’s file. Research may deviate from the original proposal; however, suitable supplementary information must be submitted to the advisory committee.
Candidates must submit and orally defend a thesis based on original research performed while enrolled as a graduate student at the university.
Candidates must be registered in the semester in which they defend their thesis.

Course Requirements:

Research and General Electives in Biological Sciences and Related fields at the 6000-7000 levels. General elective choices may include 6000-7000 level courses from the College of Science & Mathematics and from Pharmacology & Toxicology (PTX prefix). Credit Hour(s): 15-21

BIO 6200 - Designing Biological Experiments Credit Hour(s): 3

Option 2 - Coursework Option: 18-24 Credit Hours

Option 2 students may use a maximum of 8 credit hours earned in departments other than life science departments.
Candidates must file a Program of Study by the end of their second semester (or 17 credit hours).