The Master of Science in Biology (Biological Sciences) program is designed to prepare students for a career in private industry or for continued graduate study. The program is available in both thesis and non-thesis options, with the thesis option delving deeper into research and scientific writing.
For those who have a Class A Standard Educator License, this degree meets the requirement for Class AA Standard Educator License.
Admission to the M.S. in Biology Thesis Program
After enrolling, students may be invited into the Thesis Option program. With close faculty mentorship, intensive laboratory experiences, and a culminating master’s thesis in biology, our graduates are well-prepared to pursue biology research careers in industry or academia.
Opportunity for admission to the Thesis Option track is based on performance in the M.S. in Biology program and the availability of space in the biology master’s thesis program. The Thesis Option program offers graduate students more intensive biology research experiences and training in scientific writing.
Biology Research at Mississippi College
The Department of Biological Sciences at Mississippi College offers a variety of graduate research experiences to master’s degree students. Our faculty members are well-accomplished research biologists who are dedicated to advancing knowledge in their specialities and mentoring students.
With their varied expertise, our students are empowered to pursue an array of topics for their master’s thesis in biology. Learn more about MC’s biological sciences faculty research areas.
M.S. Biological Sciences Admission Requirements
A demonstration of Academic Proficiency requires:
- An Undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or better.
- A Biology GPA (minimum of 18 hours) of 2.5 or better.
- Two of the following must also be provided with an application to be considered for admission:
- A grade of "B" or higher in a collegiate level Cell Biology, Genetics or Ecology course; as indicated on the student's academic transcript.
- GRE score (minimum Verbal score of 145 and a minimum Quantitative score of 145 or the 10th percentile in each category, whichever is greater), or MCAT score (490 or higher), or DAT (score of 15 or higher). The submission of standardized test scores is not required for admission but may be submitted in support of an application.
- Two letters of recommendation supporting science academic abilities.
A demonstration of English Proficiency requires at least one of the following:
- ILETS (score of 6 or better)
- TOEFL (score of 550- paper-based, 213- computer-based, or 80- internet based)
- Intensive English Program (IEP) completion
- Verbal GRE (minimum score of 145 or the 10th percentile whichever is higher), or MCAT score of 490 or higher, or DAT score of 15 or higher.
- Six credit hours of non-remedial English from a US regional accredited university. Students must receive a grade of "C" or higher in all credit hours in this category to be considered.
Students applying from one of the approved countries listed below may be exempt from providing evidence of English Proficiency:
Approved Countries include: Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Canada (except Quebec region), Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia Montserrat, New Zealand, Sierra Leone, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Kingdom, United States, Virgin Islands- St. Croix, St. John, St, Thomas.
Admission to the M.S. in Biology Thesis Program
Students successfully completing at least eight (8) hours of graduate-level biology courses at Mississippi College may be invited to pursue the Master of Science in Biology; Thesis Option. The required eight academic hours may not include research hours, BIO 6330 Seminar Observation or BIO 6430 Graduate Seminar. Special topics courses and field studies courses may be used only with permission of the Chair.
Opportunity for admission to the Thesis Option track is based on performance in the M.S. in Biology program and the availability of space in the biology master’s thesis program. The Thesis Option program offers graduate students more intensive biology research experiences and training in scientific writing.
Visit Mississippi College’s Graduate Admissions page to learn more about the requirements to apply for graduate study.
