Biology M.S.

The Department of Biology offers graduate studies leading to the degree of Master of Science in Biology. The program is designed to provide graduate education for students who intend to pursue vocations in industry, government, teaching, and further graduate education leading to the doctorate. The M.S. degree provides course work with an emphasis in the following areas: 1) genetics, 2) physiological ecology, 3) ecology, 4) behavior, 5) biosystematics, 6) herpetology, 7) entomology, 8) biogeography, 9) ornithology, and 10) formal research with thesis. This program is designed for students preparing for careers requiring analytical, research, and problem solving skills.

Master of Science in Biology--Total Semester Hours=30

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for admission to graduate study, the requirements for admission to the Master of Science in Biology are as follows:

1. A satisfactory score on the General Test (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Students who do not have satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination may be admitted under the condition that they obtain a grade of "B" or higher on a prescribed set of undergraduate and/or graduate courses that are approved by the department.
2. A satisfactory score on the Biology Subject Test of the GRE
3. A satisfactory grade point average on all prior advanced (junior, senior, and graduate) work taken
4. The equivalent of bachelor’s degree in science with a major in biology from The University of Texas at Tyler
5. A proficiency in the use of the English language. If a student's verbal score on the General Test of the GRE is below an acceptable minimum, the student must pass an English proficiency test.
6. Approval by departmental chair
7. Consideration is also given to one or more of the following: the applicant's demonstrated commitment to his or her chosen field of study, socioeconomic background, first generation college graduate, multilingual proficiency, geographic region of residence, and level of responsibility in other matters including extracurricular activities, employment, community service, and family responsibilities.

Graduation Requirements

Candidates for the master’s degree in biology must also meet the following requirements:

1. a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on all course work. Only grades of “B” or better can be applied towards the degree.
2. satisfactory performance on a final comprehensive oral and/or written examination covering the core courses, thesis, and other academic or laboratory components of the student’s program selected by the student in conjunction with the graduate advisory committee.