Master of Science in Biology (M.S.)

This master's program in general biology offers students a diversity of course work and research opportunities. The program's small size allows students a opportunity to work closely with faculty on a variety of research projects. Class sizes are also small, providing for further association with professionals in the discipline.

The program prepares students for admission to a research-oriented doctoral program in the biological sciences or employment in a biological or health-oriented profession.

The program also enhances the knowledge, perspective and experience of teachers of biology in secondary schools.

The program offers opportunities for study at the supra-organismal, organismal, cellular, and molecular levels of biology. A broad array of disciplines is represented among the faculty, allowing considerable flexibility in the selection of independent research topics.

Thesis research may have laboratory or field components and may be carried out on campus or at an off-campus site.

The university is a member of the Marine Science Consortium. Courses in marine science are offered during the summer at Marine Science Center located near Wallops Island, Va.

Graduate students may use this facility to take graduate-level courses in marine biology or to pursue research projects at the Bloomsburg University Marine Biology Laboratory.

Biology (M.S.) Application Process

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in biology, or its equivalent.
• Two letters of recommendation from previous science faculty are required are required.
• At least one letter should be from a faculty member who instructed the applicant in an upper-level (junior or senior) biology course.
• Applicants with research experience should submit at least one letter from a research adviser.
• Others may submit a letter from any professor with the ability to evaluate the applicant's laboratory research potential.
• Undergraduate deficiencies must be addressed prior to admission to the program or during the first semester in consultation with the program coordinator.
• Deficiencies may be addressed by undergraduate course work without credit earned toward the degree, by graduate course work when suitable, or by outside readings.
• The method of satisfying deficiencies is decided by the student and graduate program coordinator in consultation with the departmental graduate committee.
• A minimum of two weeks is required for review of a completed application by the department's graduate committee.