Biology (MS)
Overview
The Department of Biology’s MS Biology Program prepares students via a combination of academic preparation, which provide opportunities for research and professional development through quality student mentoring. Options for non-thesis and thesis study allow students to achieve a generalized knowledge-base or focus in a specific field in biology. Current research field in the Department include, but are not limited to: ecology and evolutionary biology, organismic biology (entomology, herpetology, ornithology), bacterial genetics; cell, neuro and microbiology; genetics; plant biochemistry; and applied research (vector biology, climate change, vertebrate taphonomy). We encourage applicants to learn more about our faculty research. We prepare our students for advanced education (e.g., Ph.D.) and successful, life-long careers in Biology and related transdisciplinary fields.
This program provides two options for completing the MS in Biology: thesis option and non-thesis option.
The student who pursues the thesis option must complete a total of 36 credits of which 9 can be in related fields as prescribed electives with approval of the Biology Graduate Program Coordinator including the thesis. Students are required to have a Graduate Faculty Supervisor and form a Graduate Committee of at least 3 members, who will provide coordination of coursework and mentoring regarding completion of a thesis reflective of scientific research. Students complete a written thesis and an oral defense of their research. The thesis is expected to be worthy of submission, in whole or in part, for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Students pursuing the thesis option must have a prospective faculty supervisor.
The non-thesis student must complete a total of 36 credits, of which 9 can be in related fields as prescribed electives with approval of the Biology Graduate Program Coordinator. Non-thesis students are supervised by the Biology Program Graduate Coordinator. Non-Thesis students must pass a comprehensive examination to graduate.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Biology MS Program is competitive, and multiple factors are considered in the decision to admit new graduate students. Meeting minimum entry requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. The Biology Graduate Program Committee conducts a holistic review of all applicants, which considers, but is not limited to, admission qualifications, academic ability and achievement, skills and experience, and ability to contribute to the research of the Biology Department.
To be considered for admission to the graduate program in biology, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other admission requirements listed below:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field from an accredited institution in the United States or recognized international equivalent. Either (A) an undergraduate degree with major in biology or (B) 30 hours of undergraduate courses in biological sciences or closely related disciplines.
- Preferred undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in upper-level biology or related field coursework.
- Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic people who are familiar with the applicant’s undergraduate or higher scholastic record.
- Personal statement explaining a) academic and professional goal(s) and objectives, b) preparation for graduate studies, c) research or other professional experience, and d) area of interest in biology. The letter must state whether you are pursuing the thesis or non-thesis option, and if thesis option, who your graduate faculty supervisor will be.
- Applicants pursuing the thesis option must have a commitment from a faculty member to supervise the master's thesis to be admitted to the MS Biology program with thesis. Students pursing the thesis option and seeking a faculty supervisor should contact the Department of Biology for guidance. Students who do not have a commitment from a faculty memeber to supervise the master's thesis will be considered for the non-thesis option.
- A Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- GRE General Test. GRE test scores are valid for 5 years. A waiver of the GRE requirement will be granted to applicants who show proof of completing a previous graduate degree (master’s or doctoral).
Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply. Incomplete applications will not be considered for review.
Program Requirements
Required Courses - 5 Hours
Thesis Option
Thesis - 7 Hours
Prescribed Electives - 24 Hours
BIOL Electives - 15 Hours
| | Any BIOL 5000 or 6000 level course | |
Related Field Electives - 9 Hours
Complete 9 hours from BIOL, CHEM, EEMS, ENVR, GEOL and MARS 5000 and 6000 level courses with approval of the Biology Graduate Program Coordinator.
Non-thesis Option
Prescribed Electives - 28 Hours
BIOL Electives - 19 Hours
| | Any BIOL 5000 or 6000 level course | |
Related Field Electives - 9 Hours
Complete 9 hours from BIOL, CHEM, EEMS, ENVR, GEOL and MARS 5000 and 6000 level courses with approval of the Biology Graduate Program Coordinator.
Capstone Requirement - 3 Hours and Comprehensive Exam
Choose from:
Required
Students on the non-thesis option must complete a comprehensive examination in the last semester of the program.
| | Comprehensive Examination | |
Total Credit Hours: 36