Degree Program
The Department of Biology in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) offers graduate studies leading toward the Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology. The M.S. degree is research-oriented and designed to satisfy academic requirements for those students intending eventually to seek degree(s) beyond the master’s level. There are two concentrations: Biology and Environmental Science.
Programs Objectives
To provide academic and practical training of high quality at the master's degree level.
To contribute to the pool of biologists and environmental scientists qualified to undertake doctoral degree programs, and to obtain employment in industry, government and academic institutions, and
To offer a program that will enable biology and environmental science majors to obtain the necessary classroom, laboratory and/or field experiences required for entering areas in and related to environmental science directly upon graduation.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to the requirements set forth by the Division of Graduate Studies, all applicants seeking admission to the M.S. in Biology program in the Department of Biology must meet the following minimum admission requirements:
An undergraduate (B.S.) degree in biology or related field.
To be admitted as a regular graduate student for the MS in Biology, an applicant should have a minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or higher as evidenced by an official transcript from all accredited colleges and universities attended. Based on other strengths and recommendations, the policy may allow for conditional admission for those with GPA above 2.5 and less than 3.0. Conditional admission will require registration for nine hours of graduate courses and obtaining at least B or higher grade (GPA 3.0 or higher for the conditional semester), to gain the regular graduate student status for the next semester.
Applicants should submit an application for admission to the graduate school
https://www.jsums.edu/graduateschool
Three letters of recommendation (Student should submit the names of three professors who will write letters of recommendations during the application process,
Recommenders’ will be sent a link to upload evaluation forms and their letters to the graduate school portal.
Recommendation letters should come from academic professors who can assess the applicant’s: a) academic qualifications; b) written and oral communication skills; c) capacity for critical and analytical thinking; and d) overall potential for graduate studies.
A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score is not required for admission, however, a GRE score of 3.0 and higher on the critical writing section could provide basis for exemption from the graduate English proficiency requirements (Policy P20 of the Graduate Studies Catalogue) The GRE score must be sent directly to the department.
A minimum Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 520; and a Certified Declaration of Financial Support filed with JSU Division of International Studies – (required for International/foreign applicants)
A career goal essay (maximum of 800 – 1200 words; submitted to the graduate studies portal during the application process)
A complete application package submitted before or on the following deadlines: March 1 for Fall semester; March 15 for Summer; and October 15 for Spring semester. (Incomplete and late applications (received after the deadlines will not be evaluated.)