Biological Sciences (MS)

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Master of Science (MS)

The School of Biological Sciences offers both thesis and non-thesis programs of study leading to the Master of Science in Biology.

Requirements for Admission

Students seeking admission to a graduate program in the College of Applied and Natural Sciences are required to have an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. All prospective students are required to submit an official copy of their General Test scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Unconditional admission into the master’s program in Biology requires a minimum combined score of 290 (verbal + quantitative) on the GRE and a minimum 3.00 GPA; conditional admission requires a combined GRE score of 283 and a minimum GPA of 2.50.

Students admitted to all graduate programs in the College of Applied and Natural Sciences will have their transcripts reviewed for previous course work completed. Students who lack necessary prerequisite course work may be required to satisfy deficiencies in the early stage of their graduate program.

CIP Code = 260101

Program of Study

Thesis Plan

The program of study for the degree of Master of Science in Biology with the thesis plan consists of a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit of which at least 15 hours must be earned in 500-level, or above, courses. Students will pursue original research in a specialized field of interest, supervised by a thesis advisor and approved by the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee. Completion of the thesis plan includes an oral defense of the thesis and oral examination conducted by the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee.

See Biology, Master of Science - Thesis (MS) for course requirements.

Non-Thesis Plan

The program of study for the degree of Master of Science in Biology with the non-thesis plan consists of a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate credit of which at least 18 hours must be earned in 500-level, or above, courses. Non-thesis students are required to pass comprehensive written and oral examinations conducted by the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee.

See Biology, Master of Science Non-Thesis (MS) for course requirements.

Research Activities

Faculty members conduct a wide range of research that may serve as the basis for student theses or independent study projects. Students interested in pursuing research are encouraged to contact the appropriate graduate faculty member, the Director of the School of Biological Sciences, or the Associate Dean for Research. Information describing faculty research areas is available directly from the faculty, from the School of Biological Sciences, or online at www.ans.latech.edu.

Financial Support

A limited number of University and externally funded assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Students holding assistantships will have out-of-state fees waived, if applicable. Students may also be employed as student workers. For additional information concerning financial support, contact the Director of the School of Biological Sciences.