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The mission of the School of Biological Sciences at the 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í is to enable students to understand the real-world relevance of the biological sciences, foster scientific literacy and critical thinking skills, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning and meaningful, productive contributions to society. 

The mission of the Master of Science in Biological Sciences program is to prepare outstanding graduate students for careers or further training in science, technology, and education by providing an advanced knowledge base and a working knowledge of research methods in the biological sciences. 

The Biological Sciences 4+1 program offers advanced classroom training and research experience to students interested in a wide variety of biological topics, including ecology, molecular biology, microbiology, and physiology. Students will conduct research and prepare a thesis under the mentorship of a faculty member. This degree requires a total of thirty-six (36) credits beyond the Bachelor of Science with a major in Biological Sciences major. This includes a minimum of twenty-six (26) thesis/research credits (BIO 590), one (1) credit of Graduate Seminar in Biological Sciences (BIO 510), three (3) credits of Research Methods (BIO 503), and six (6) additional course credits at the five-hundred (500)-level. A maximum of twelve (12) course credits at the five-hundred (500)-graduate level can double count towards both the undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. 

Program Goals

• Provide a knowledge base in the biological sciences that is deeper than the typical undergraduate experience
• Instill outstanding research skills and a working knowledge of the scientific method by participating in high-quality research
• Develop scientific communication skills through writing and oral presentations

Satisfactory academic progress

To remain in the 4+1 program in Biological Sciences, a student’s cumulative graduate GPA must be a minimum of 3.0. A student whose GPA falls below 3.0 or who receives a grade below B- in any course taken for graduate credit will be placed on academic probation.

Program completion timeline

Students have a maximum of five (5) years to complete the graduation requirements for both the undergraduate and M.S. degrees. After two (2) academic years (fall and spring terms), students who have completed their coursework but are still completing their theses are required to enroll in a minimum of one (1) Thesis Writing/Data Analysis credit hour (BIO 595) per semester to remain in the program and the student needs to demonstrate satisfactory progres