Biology, MS

The M.S. Biology degree is intended for students pursuing terminal degrees or seeking careers as biologists. Students can choose the thesis option or the non-thesis option. The thesis option is research oriented requiring a comprehensive research project under the supervision of an advisory committee. The non-thesis option has a research component in the form of an Independent Study. Both options are intended to provide students with a well-rounded biology background and furnish the research skills required for a future career in biology. 

Admission Criteria 

The applicant must have completed the requirements for a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. These requirements include a major in Biology (or related subject), one year of inorganic chemistry, one semester of organic chemistry, and one semester of calculus or statistics. Applicants with undergraduate deficiencies may be required to register for courses that help to fill these deficiencies. 

Program Requirements 

The departmental requirements for candidacy for the MS degree are: 

• Satisfactory completion of 19 credits of courses, including BIOL 602 and BIOL 611 

• The selection of a thesis advisor and a thesis advisory committee of at least two additional faculty members (for thesis option) or an Independent Study research advisor (for non-thesis option) to guide the candidate in completing the program 

• An approved research proposal (SGSR-approved RTAF for thesis option or committee-approved proposal for non-thesis) 

Candidates must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0. Continuance in the graduate program for those receiving two individual course grades below a “B” is contingent upon review of the Graduate Committee. Successful students will complete 30 credits of courses. 

Biology, MS-Accelerated Track (Early Admission) 

The accelerated track (Early Admission) is aimed at ambitious, highly motivated Biology undergraduates with a career interest in any area of the biological sciences represented in the IUP Department of Biology. This track will lead to the Master of Science degree with one year of post-baccalaureate study as opposed to the two years usually required in the traditional track. Upon completion of this program students will be prepared for skilled technical positions in the industrial or academic workforce or for advanced study in outstanding graduate or professional schools. 

Please contact the Biology department chair for further details.