Master of Science, Biology
About the Program
Format: In person on the Statesboro Campus or the Armstrong Campus in Savannah
Thesis Credit Hours: 30
Non-Thesis Credit Hours: 36
Entry Terms: Fall, Spring
The Department of Biology emphasizes several broad areas of Biology including Cell and Molecular Biology, Conservation Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Evolution, Medical Entomology, and Physiology. The active research programs of the Biology faculty offer Master of Science students the opportunity to learn while making contributions to research projects of regional, national and international significance. Our graduates are employed by federal and state agencies like the CDC, USDA, EPA or DNR, and others work in industry, doing biomedical testing, developing biomedical products, or consulting on ecological/environmental issues. Many develop careers at universities and colleges, while others teach in public or private secondary schools.
General Program Requirements
The Master of Science in Biology program requires 30 hours of course work. Required course work includes Biometry (BIOL 7530) & Research Methods (BIOL 7531). Students have the option of taking one or more of the following specialty courses: Evolutionary Ecology (BIOL 7333), Molecular Biology (BIOL 7133), or Applied Biology (BIOL 7233). Other requirements include 2 hours of graduate seminar (BIOL 7610), 3 hours of research (BIOL 7895), and 3 hours of thesis (BIOL 7999). At least 15 hours must be at the 7000 level. Each candidate for the Master of Science degree in Biology must complete a thesis on a subject approved by his/her thesis committee. This thesis must be defended before a graduate committee and presented at a public exit seminar. The thesis defense is a comprehensive examination that may include questions on the thesis, subject matter related to the thesis, and coursework taken at Georgia Southern University.
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Admission Requirements
- Completed requirements for the bachelors degree in a college accredited be the proper regional accrediting associations.
- A 2.80 (4.0 scale) cumulative grade point average or higher on all undergraduate work.
- An undergraduate major or the equivalent appropriate to the proposed field of study. Adequately prepared applicants will typically have completed 24 hours of biology, 9 hours of mathematics, 16 hours of chemistry (including organic chemistry), and 8 hours of physics (or geological science).
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s potential to complete successful graduate work.
- A statement of career goals to explain why you are interested in pursuing the degree and to explain your long term career plans.
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to identify a thesis advisor and submit the name to the graduate program director prior to the application deadline.
Applicants may be approved for provisional admission based on the quality of the admission material presented. Provisional students must earn grades of ‘B’ or higher in their first nine (9) hours of course work after admission and meet any other stipulations outlined by the department to be converted to regular status.
*International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES accredited evaluation service and must be a course by course evaluation and include a GPA. (naces.org)
Deadlines
Fall
Priority: March 1*
Final: April 1*
Spring
Priority: October 1*
Final: November 15*
Summer
Does not admit
*The application and all required documents listed on the “admissions requirements” tab for the program must be received by the deadline. If all required documents are not received by the deadline your application will not be considered for admission.
Program Contact Information
John M. Carroll
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
jcarroll@georgiasouthern.edu
Last updated: 1/12/2024