The Department of Biology offers two programs of study leading to the Master of Science in biology degree: Master's degree with thesis and 2) Master's degree nonthesis. It is designed to enhance the professional competence of graduates in biology or closely related disciplines who are presently engaged in or planning to enter secondary school or college teaching, or who expect to be employed by private or governmental agencies in Biologically oriented fields.

Applicants must 1) have completed a minimum of 24 semester hours in the biological sciences, 2) have completed a minimum of one semester of organic chemistry and one semester of statistics, 3) remove any deficiencies as provided in the section on admission, 4) score a total of 950 (Verbal plus Quantitative Sections) on the Graduate Record Examination, or if V + Q score falls between the Graduate College minimum score and 949, receive a majority vote of the biology graduate faculty, 5) have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.5/4.0 overall or on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.

Degree Requirements (thesis option):

The candidate for the M.S. in biology must meet all the College of Graduate Studies general requirements as listed in the graduate catalog. Additional specific requirements are:

1. Submit a written proposal for the thesis. After the thesis proposal is written, pass an oral examination before the biology graduate faculty on the experimental design of the proposed thesis and related disciplines. Note: This requirement should be completed during the first year of enrollment and must be completed by the end of the second year of the program.

2. For their professional development, students must enroll in Bio 511 Graduate Seminar for two semesters. A maximum of two semesters credit will be counted toward the Master's degree; subsequent enrollments will be for a grade but will not count toward the degree.

3. Thirty-three hours of graduate credit which may include a maximum of 16 hours in approved 400 level courses with augmented requirements. All course work will be in biology. Exceptions must be approved by major advisor and by the Chair, Department of Biology.

Degree Requirements (nonthesis option):

The candidate for the M.S. in biology must meet all the College of Graduate Studies general requirements as listed in the graduate catalog. Additional specific requirements are:

1.  Thirty-nine hours of graduate credit which may include a maximum of 16 hours in approved 400 level courses with augmented requirements. All course work will be in biology. Exceptions must be approved by major advisor and by the Chair, Department of Biology.

2. For their professional development, students must enroll in Bio 511 Graduate Seminar for two semesters. A maximum of two semesters credit will be counted toward the Master's degree; subsequent enrollments will be for a grade but will not count toward the degree.

3.  Assemble a committee of three members of the graduate faculty.  This committee will compose and grade a final written exam that the student will take after completion of coursework.  Conferral of the degree is dependent upon passing the exam.