master of Science in biology

Welcome

The WKU Biology department offers the Master of Science in Biology degree. Training in Biology provides many opportunities in teaching, research, and public service and provides excellent preparation for many other areas of basic and applied sciences.

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Admission Requirements

Application and all supporting materials (i.e., transcripts, GRE scores, teaching certificate) need to be received in Graduate Studies by the dates listed below to ensure adequate time for departmental review. Applicants can apply online at www.wku.edu/graduate, or may download a printable application.

Application Deadlines
Fall Semester: June 15
Spring Semester: November 15
Summer Term: Contact Biology Department

Please note: To be eligible for any type of financial aid or a graduate assistantship, you must be admitted in good standing to a degree program. Non-degree seeking students are ineligible for financial aid and graduate assistantships.

Applicants for the M.S. in Biology must have:

  • A bachelor's degree from a college or university of recognized standing
  • The equivalent of an undergraduate minor in Biology
  • GRE scores
  • Application and Fee
  • Transcript Record - Graduates of accredited institutions other than WKU must submit an official transcript showing the completed degree to the Office of Graduate Studies
  • Copy of teaching certificate, if applicable
Standardized Examination Scores
All degree-seeking students must submit appropriate standardized test scores regardless of their undergraduate grade point average. Standardized test scores must be received by the Office of Graduate Studies prior to admission. The admission decision will be based upon both the transcript grade point average and the test score. Registration materials for the GRE are available by logging on to www.gre.org.

Admission decisions are based upon both the undergraduate grade point average and the GRE General Test score. The GAP score is the product of the GRE score x the overall undergraduate grade point average. For example, a GRE score of 1200 and a grade average of 2.75/4.0 would produce a GAP score of 3300. Since GAP is a product of both GRE and grade point average, both the GRE and transcript record are essential for making an admission decision. GAP score requirements for general admission to Graduate Studies (individual degree programs may be higher) are as follows:

If test was taken before 9/30/2002, a score of 3500 is required.
If test was taken after 10/01/2002, a score of 2200 is required.

Program Requirements (33 hours)

Core Courses (required for all students)

  • BIOL 500 3.0 hrs.  Introduction to Graduate Studies and Research in Biology
  • BIOL 601 1.0  hr. Internship in College Instruction
  • BIOL 598 2.0 hrs.  Graduate Seminar (recommended to take in the last semester)
  • BIOL 599 6.0 hrs. Thesis Research & Writing (Plan A Thesis option only) OR
  • BIOL 516 3.0 hrs. Investigations in Biology (Plan B non-thesis option only)
  • Research Tool 3 hrs. Select one of the following courses, with advisor approval:
    • GEOG 317
    • EDU 501
    • CIS 321
    • CIS 343
    • ECON 206
    • PSY 361
    • PSY 510
    • PH 582

Electives (18-21 hours)
Electives are selected with advisor approval and are based on the interest of the student

Please Note:
Thesis Option Students: Select 18 hours of electives
Non-thesis Option Students: Select 21 hours of electives

Recommended Sequence of Courses

The Biology Department recommends that students enroll in BIOL 500 their first semester and BIOL 598 their last semester. It is also important to note that certain courses may offered on a rotating basis, so please plan your program of study carefully. Contact Dr. Heather Johnson, the academic advisor for the program for additional information on course offerings at heather.johnson@wku.edu. See what is currently being offered at www.wku.edu/online/courses.html.

Department Contact Information

Phone: 270-745-5173
Email: learn.online@wku.edu
Web: http://bioweb.wku.edu/

Contact us today at 1-888-4WKUWEB to find out how you can get started!
Distance Learning is a unit of the Division of Extended Learning and Outreach at WKU.


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  • Online Learning
    Garrett Conference Center 104
    Toll Free: 888-4WKUWEB
    (888-495-8932)
    Bowling Green area: 270-745-5173
    Email: learn.online@wku.edu

  • Independent Learning
    Garrett Conference Center 101
    Toll Free: 800-535-5926
    Bowling Green area: 270-745-4159
    Email: il@wku.edu
    Visit: wku.edu/il