Master of Science in Biology 

Format: In-person thesis or non-thesis and fully online non-thesis Genomics track

Options: Thesis or Non-Thesis Programs and 4+1 Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Track

Credit Hours: 30

茄子视频, Department of Biology, offers two pathways to earn a graduate degree.  We offer the thesis and non-thesis Master of Science Degree in Biology. While both degrees require 30 credit hours of study, the thesis option provides students with advanced training in biological concepts to develop their ability to design, conduct, and communicate independent research under the guidance of a faculty mentor.  The non-thesis option offers advanced coursework and applied training to strengthen students' biological knowledge and professional skills without requiring independent research. 

Thesis Option: This in-person degree program develops students as scientists through a combination of advanced coursework and a substantial original research project.  Students work closely with a faculty mentor to design and conduct a research student, collect and analyze data, and produce a written thesis that contributes to the scientific understanding of their field.  Students gain hands-on laboratory, field or computational experience; learn to apply the scientific method; and build strong skills in critical thinking, data interpretation, and scientific communication. The program culminates in a thesis defense and prepares graduates for research-intensive careers, careers in academia, or further study in doctoral programs.

Non-Thesis Option: For the non-thesis degree program, students may choose a fully online curriculum with a concentration in Genomics that is designed for the working professional or a curriculum that combines online with in-person coursework tailored to each student's specific interests. Students complete a structured set of classes that deepen their understanding of key biological disciplines and engage in internships or directed research that emphasize real-world applications.  This pathway is designed for professionals seeking to advance their current careers, for individuals who completed undergraduate students in biological/STEM sciences and would like to become high school biology teachers, for current teachers wishing to enhance their credentials, and for individuals who want to strengthen their academic record before applying to certain professional programs.  The non-thesis degree option provides a flexible, efficient route to earning an advanced degree without the commitment of a research thesis.

4+1 Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Track:  Students wishing to pursue a Master of Science in Biology at 茄子视频 may take up to 9 semester hours of graduate-level coursework (courses numbered 5000 or above) that will count toward Biology electives or general electives for the undergraduate degree.

Acceptance into the Accelerated track requires:

  1. Written notification by a Biology faculty member to the Biology Graduate Program Coordinator of their willingness to serve as the student's program advisor;
  2. Completion of 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework, including at least 18 hours in Biology;
  3. An overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.

Once accepted, a specific course of study will be developed with the student's program advisor. Successful completion of the Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Track requires a grade of B or better in all graduate coursework. 

Students interested in continuing their graduate education may apply for admission to the M.S. in Biology program in their senior year or upon completion of their undergraduate degree. Full admission to the Graduate School requires completion of the bachelor's degree. Students in the Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate track will not be required to take additional admission tests but must meet all other graduate admission requirements. See the Graduate School for admission requirements. Students who have completed 9 hours of graduate level coursework to complete their bachelor's degree will be required to complete an additional 21 hours of graduate courses to meet the M.S. in Biology degree requirements.

Admission to Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Track form

 

Graduate Assistantships 

Graduate assistantships are available for students who are working towards earning a graduate degree in Biology in one of our face-to-face M.S. programs.  Students who are awarded graduate assistantships receive financial support and tuition waivers as payment for teaching undergraduate laboratories, assisting in undergraduate lectures on a part time basis, and completing research projects. As a result, students also gain valuable professional experience in teaching that furthers their professional development and credentials towards future academic careers.

Department Information

The Department of Biology has approximately 20 faculty members whose training and research interests cover the full spectrum of biological sub-disciplines, ranging from cellular/molecular to ecology/conservation biology, and many of the faculty members are cross-disciplinary. 

茄子视频 has one of the most sophisticated science facilities in southern Georgia.  The Biology Department boasts a state of the art Center for Biotechnology and Genomics, computer labs, one of the very few BSL3 level biohazard laboratory suites in southern Georgia, live animal care facilities that meet National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines, an aquatic wet lab with environmental chamber capabilities, a microscopy suite that includes a scanning electron microscope, an herbarium specializing on Coastal Plain flora, and environmentally controlled research labs.

In addition, field research facilities include the Lake Louise Field Station.  This 144-acre natural area in south Lowndes County is only 20 minutes from the main campus.  This unique area consists of mixed deciduous forest, uplands pine forest, extensive wetlands, and a 14-acre sinkhole lake. 

Current Graduate Students and Alumni

Program Details and Forms

Graduate Student Research Symposium

The Graduate Student Research Symposium (GSRS) will be held each fall. First semester graduate students will not be required to present. Students in their first year (admitted in Spring of that year or the previous Fall) are required to present a poster; students in their second year are required to give a 15 minute oral presentation.