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Nov 29, 2024
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2024-2025 Graduate Catalog
Biology (MS)
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The M.S. program in Biology provides advanced training in numerous biological subdisciplines including ecology, evolution, physiology, genetics, genomics, molecular biology, developmental biology, and cell biology. This is a research-based program in which students conduct laboratory and/or field research under the guidance of faculty mentors. These research projects form the basis for an M.S. thesis and are also typically published as peer-reviewed research papers. The M.S. in Biology prepares students for private and public sector employment as well as for further graduate study.
The M.S. program in Biology requires 30 credit hours, including a minimum of 22 credit hours of graded coursework and 6-8 hours of BIOL 898 (M.S. Research in Biology). A report option instead of a thesis is only available in exceptional circumstances and requires the permission of the supervisory committee and graduate program director.
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Admission Requirements
Applicants must have a 4-year bachelor’s degree. An average of B or higher in the final 60 hours of undergraduate coursework (3.0/4.0 on a 4-point scale or equivalent) is required for regular admission, but applicants with lower GPAs can potentially be admitted on probationary status. Preference is given to applicants with undergraduate degrees in biology or other life sciences. Applicants with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines should have extensive life science coursework or other evidence of biology fundamentals. Prior research experience is highly desirable. A key issue in admissions decisions is a good match with the research interests of one or more Biology faculty members who could serve as the applicant’s Major Professor. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact potential mentors to discuss opportunities in their research programs.
Applications must include transcripts, contact details for three professional references, and a personal statement of goals and experiences. The personal statement should discuss career goals and past research experience, and it should explain how the applicant’s research interests are aligned with the research programs of one or more Biology faculty members. GRE scores are not required but can be provided if available. International applicants must meet the KSU Graduate School requirements for English proficiency, but TOEFL IBT scores ≥ 100 (with 22 or higher on the SPEAK test) or IELTS ≥7.0 are preferred.
Contact Info
Graduate Program Contact: biology@ksu.edu
Graduate Program Director: Dr. Michael Veeman (veeman@ksu.edu)
Course Requirements
30 credit hours, including 22-24 hours of graded credits and 6-8 hours of research credit. At least 18 hours must be at the 700 level or above. All students must take BIOL 863 (Professional Skills and Ethics, 3 hours) in the first year. Other courses are selected in consultation with the student’s Major Professor and supervisory committee. These flexible requirements allow Programs of Study to be tailored to the research and career development needs of individual students across diverse biological subdisciplines. Courses from other KSU units including but not limited to Agronomy, Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Geography, Plant Pathology and Statistics can be included in the Program of Study.
Electives:
- 19-21 hours of electives, with at least 15 hours at the 700 level or higher Credits: 19-21
Total Hours Required for Master’s: 30
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