Program Description 

The Department of Biological Sciences offers Master of Science (M.S.) and Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees with a major in Biological Sciences. Students in these programs may work under a faculty mentor in a range of areas such as cellular and molecular biology, ecology, environmental sciences, evolution, genetics, microbiology, plant biology, neurobiology, and wildlife biology.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree does not require a thesis and is positioned primarily to allow students to strengthen their education in Biological Sciences and related fields through the completion of advanced coursework.  Students will work with their mentor and committee to identify a suitable topic for in in-depth literature review paper, which will then form the basis for a comprehensive exam during their last term. M.A. students may also participate in original research under a faculty member, although it is not required for the degree.

Students who earn a Biological Sciences M.A. are well positioned to enter doctoral level graduate and professional schools, work in government, academic, or private industries, teach at schools or colleges, or use their skills to enter legal, business, or journalism careers, to name a few.

Graduate Assistantships

Once an application for the Biological Sciences graduate program has been made to Graduate Admissions, students who are interested may also apply to become a Graduate Teaching Assistant. To do so, visit the Human Resources website’s Employment section, select “Graduate Assistant Employment,” and search for listings under Biological Sciences. GA positions come with a tuition benefit and stipend. Open positions are generally posted in late spring and late fall; offers are made on a rolling basis.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should follow the admissions process described in this catalog or at the Graduate Admissions website at www.marshall.edu/graduate/admissions/how-to-apply-for-admission. 

Applications for admission to the program are accepted throughout the year. However, graduate teaching assistantship (GTA) positions are open until filled. Later applicants may not be awarded a GTA if all the positions for the upcoming semester are filled. 

In addition to the general application requirements, applicants should send the following materials directly to the Graduate Admissions office:

• three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references;
• a written statement of educational and professional goals that identifies a member of the graduate faculty from the Department of Biological Sciences willing to serve as the student's advisor (250-500 words).

Applicant must also have:

• An overall undergraduate GPA and a GPA in biology courses of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Program Requirements

Requirements for All Degrees

A Plan of Study approved by the student’s advisor that meets all program and unversity requirements must be submitted for approval to the dean before the student registers for his or her 12th semester hour. The Plan of Study is a student’s “blueprint” for completing graduation requirements. Students must also assemble a thesis committee (M.S.) or advising committee (M.A.) consisting of no fewer than three faculty (including the student’s advisor) by the end of their first year. At least two committee members must be faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences. Students must meet with their committees at least once within their first year and at least once per semester in subsequent years.

• Only grades of C or better may be used to fulfill degree requirements and no more than six hours of C may be applied toward fulfilling the degree.
• Students must complete a minimum of 18 hours in Biological Sciences coursework.
• A Marshall University course taken at the 400 level cannot be retaken at the 500 level; it will not be applicable to the graduate degree.
• At least one-half of the minimum required hours for the student’s master’s degree must be earned in classes numbered 600 or greater.
• See the catalog section on Academic Requirements and Regulations for additional information.

M.A. Degree Requirements

• Students who select the M.A. option must complete a minimum of 36 hours of graduate coursework. At least 18 credits must be at the 600 level.
• Candidates for the master's degree must register for and participate in three hours of graduate seminars; BSC 660 Seminar I should be taken in the first semester, and BSC 662 Seminar II should be taken in what is expected to be the final semester. BSC 662 can be taken up to 2 times.
• Not more than 4 hours of seminar (BSC 660 Seminar I, maximum 2 credits; BSC 662 Seminar II, maximum 2 credits) may be used to complete the minimum hour degree requirement, and these may only be applied beyond the minimum 18 hours in BSC graduate credits.
• Not more than 4 semester hours credit in Independent Study or Special Problems (BSC 585-588, and BSC 650-652) may be used to complete the 36-hour requirement, and these may only be applied beyond the minimum 18 hours in BSC graduate credits.
• Students may elect to take 6 hours of graduate work in a minor field.
• Students will work with their mentor and committee to identify a suitable topic for in in-depth literature review paper.
• M.A. candidates must pass a comprehensive oral examination based on the topic chosen by themselves and their committee.