The Department of Biological Sciences at Marshall University is diverse and offers biology students opportunities openings to do coursework, research and discussion in a range of related areas: neuroscience and endocrinology, physiology, microbiology, cell and molecular biology, ecology and conservation biology, genetics and systematics, plant biology, paleontology and evolution.
The focus of the Master of Science (M.S.) is a research project, culminating in a written thesis, that you will perform with a Biological Sciences faculty advisor. The Department includes faculty with diverse research interests, from molecular mechanisms to paleobiology to ecology, and students are strongly encouraged to contact any or all whose research seems of interest, to ensure that a suitable position will be available. Brief descriptions of faculty research interests and contact information can be found by following the link to the right. A MS degree opens more doors to direct employment, and is the best stepping-stone to a Ph.D. program.
The focus of the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree is advanced coursework, although it may include a smaller research project. There is no written thesis; however, the ultimate requirement is a passing grade on a comprehensive oral exam. MA degrees provide additional training and education that may help with admission to professional schools. These degrees can also help undecided students focus their career or educational goals. If an MA student becomes interested in a specific research area, and is accepted into a faculty member’s lab, the MA track can be converted to an MS track.
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The master’s in Biological Sciences program at Marshall provides personalized mentorship to ensure that students achieve their personal goals. This graduate degree in Biological Sciences is not a one-size-fits-all program with limited direct faculty mentorship. Biology students are able to work directly with a faculty mentor in the Department of Biological Scienceswho can provide the intellectual and career advice that’s pertinent to a student’s future education and career plans.
Faculty in biology master’s degree programs at Marshall encourage MA students to engage in original research with faculty mentors. The Biological Sciences MA program offers several paths that are more flexible than the full-time Master of Science (MS) track so students can enter labs and gain technical and intellectual experience. Research experience is one of the strongest aspects of a CV or resume when applying for professional schools and many jobs.
All graduate faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences hold PhDs in their areas of expertise, and are passionate about their research and about training the next generation of scientists, educators and professionals. The biology department has a strong track record of helping students successfully enter the work force and professional programs.
Marshall University offers an accelerated path for students to obtain a bachelor’s and master’s degree on an accelerated path. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor’s plus master’s degree with:
Undergraduates accepted to an Accelerated Master’s Degree (AMD) program can begin taking graduate coursework while still in the B.S. program. These graduate credits can be taken in their senior year up to a maximum of 12 hours in place of electives. AMD will facilitate an easy and fast transition into the graduates program.
Undergraduates accepted to an Accelerated Master’s Degree program can begin taking master’s level classes while still in the undergraduate program. Up to 12 graduate credits can be used to fulfill requirements for both the undergraduate and the master’s degrees, effectively reducing the cost of, and time to, degree. Graduates of this program will be prepared for direct entry into the job market or continuation of graduate study towards an M.D. or Ph.D or other professional program.
A student can complete the bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences by substituting twelve 500- and 600-level graduate credits (that will apply towards the master’s degree) for 12 hours of 400-level credits that were required at the undergraduate level. All BSC 400-level courses are co-listed as 500-level courses. In each area of emphasis, students may select 500-level electives in lieu of 400-level courses to satisfy the master’s degree. Alternately, a student who chooses not to pursue an area of emphasis may chose 500- or 600-level courses to satisfy credits that will apply to the master’s degree.
Eligibility Requirements for the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program
- completed at least 90 hours toward the bachelor’s degree;
- at least a 3.30 overall undergraduate GPA;
- at least a 3.30 GPA in the major;
- minimum composite verbal and quantitative GRE test scores of 300;
- three strong letters of recommendation.
- Environmental
- Wildlife
- Forest Management
- Conservation
- Bioengineering
- Genetic Technologies
- Drug Development
- STEM Educator
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, 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.