Master of Science in
Biological Sciences

Non-Thesis Option

• Earn a Master's degree in 1-year
• No GRE required
• Flexible curriculum
• Reduce the cost of securing a Master's degree
• Improve the chances of acceptance to a Professional School
• Increase the possibilities of securing a job
• Complete requirements for professional certifications
• Gain hours towards teaching at K-12 and dual credit courses

Admission Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree in biological sciences or related field from an accredited institution.
• A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 out of 4.0.

Study Plan

A minimum of 32 hours of total coursework is required, of which at least 22 hours should be with BIO course prefix.  A maximum of 10 hours may be earned from courses numbered 5000 + offered only in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Sociology, and Geographic Information Sciences (GIS).  However, students can take all 32 hours in BIO, and none from other departments.  Any coursework from departments other than those listed above will not be counted towards the degree.  Students are allowed to take no more than 12 hours of courses in BIO 4750 – 4999.  One Graduate Seminar course (BIO 5150) is required.  However, students are allowed to take a maximum of 2 Graduate Seminars.  Credits earned from BIO 5900, BIO 5950, and BIO 5980 will not be counted toward the degree.

Two versions of the study plan and checklist are provided below (they are the same but two different formats):

Non Thesis Plan and Checklist (word doc)

Non Thesis Plan and Checklist (PDF)