Biology, Master of Science (056)
Department website: http://www.wku.edu/biology/
Program Coordinator
Carl W. Dick, carl.dick@wku.edu, (270) 745-2043
The Master of Science in Biology provides many opportunities in teaching, research, and public service and provides excellent preparation for many other areas of basic and applied sciences. The program offers students a traditional thesis concentration and a non-thesis concentration that incorporates distance-learning. The non-thesis concentration is designed primarily for career-oriented students who are located off campus.
Concentrations
- Thesis (BTHE)
- Non-thesis (BNTH)
Program Admission
In addition to Graduate School requirements, the Department of Biology requires the following:
- An undergraduate degree in Biology or a related discipline, or evidence of adequate preparation in the field of Biology;
- A thoughtful and reflective Statement of Purpose (ca. 1-2 pages) that describes the applicant’s background, experience and preparation in the field, interest in the WKU program, and future or career interests. The statement must specify whether applicant is choosing the thesis or non-thesis (online) concentration, and thesis concentration applicants must identify a WKU biology graduate faculty member who has agreed to serve as advisor;
- A current Curriculum Vitae or Resume;
- Three letters of recommendation from professional references.
Graduate School Admission
Please refer to the admission section of this catalog for Graduate School admission requirements.
Program Requirements (30 hours)
The M.S. in Biology program offers thesis and non-thesis concentrations. Thesis students enroll in six hours of BIOL 599 and non-thesis students enroll in four hours of BIOL 516 as part of their degree program.
Thesis Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| BIOL 500 | Introduction to Graduate Studies and Research in Biology (Typically first semester) | 3 |
| BIOL 598 | Graduate Seminar (Typically final semester) | 2 |
| BIOL 599 | Thesis Research/Writing | 6 |
| Electives | ||
| Any BIOL graduate courses except BIOL 516 | 19 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Non-thesis Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| BIOL 500 | Introduction to Graduate Studies and Research in Biology (Taken prior to BIOL516) | 3 |
| BIOL 516 | Investigations/Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 598 | Graduate Seminar | 2 |
| Electives | ||
| Any BIOL graduate courses except BIOL 599 | 21 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |