The M.S. program in Biology  requires 30 hours past the bachelor’s degree. 22 hours of classes must be taken; at least 18 hours should be at the 700 level and above, including the thesis research credit. Courses at the 600-level may be included. All students are required to take 3 hrs BIOL 862 Professional Skills in Biology.

The combined B.S./M.S. program in biology provides exceptional undergraduates with the opportunity to obtain both a bachelor of science and a master of science in 5 years, a shorter time than typically required to earn a B.S. plus M.S. if these degrees are pursued separately. The curriculum includes both course work and research experience. Degree requirements for the M.S. are similar to those for the more typical M.S. degree described above, with the exception that up to 9 credit hours can be used toward both the B.S. and the M.S. degrees. Admission requirements do not include submission of a score for the GRE, but do require that the applicant has substantial undergraduate research experience and support from a faculty member in the Division of Biology. Completion of the program will provide students with an advantage both in pursuing work in the private sector and in pursuing a further advanced degree.