Master of Science in Biology
The Department of Biology offers two Master's Degree tracks. Plan A (thesis option) is a program culminating in a research thesis for students interested in pursuing further advanced degrees or employment in biological research. The Plan B (non-thesis option) track leads to a non-thesis Master's Degree and is intended as the terminal degree for students seeking careers with government agencies, industry, education, or other areas.
Students in the Plan B track may select from one of the following three areas of emphasis from which to concentrate their study: (1) Cell and Molecular Biology, (2) Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology or (3) General Biology. View the University course catalog for more detailed information about the areas of specialization.
The student is required to complete an independent research project and a written thesis suitable for publication in a peer reviewed scientific journal. At the end of the student's research program and following acceptance of the written thesis by the Faculty Advisor and Advisory Committee, the student will make a public presentation of the thesis research. Following the public presentation, the student's Advisory Committee will administer and judge a final oral examination that serves as defense of the candidate's thesis, and an examination of the student's general knowledge.
A minimum of 30 graduate credits in biology or related fields must be completed with an average grade of B or better, with not less than 21 credits to be earned in residence at the University of Nevada, Reno. At least 18 credits must be in 700-level courses, including six thesis credits. Course selection will be determined in consultation with the Faculty Advisor and Advisory Committee.
A minimum of 32 semester graduate credits in biology or a related discipline must be completed with an average grade of B or better, with not less than 23 credits to be earned in residence at the University of Nevada, Reno. At least 15 credits must be in 700-level courses. Course selection will be determined in consultation with the Faculty Advisor and Advisory Committee. A research thesis is not required, but a scholarly paper must be prepared. The paper may be in the form of a scholarly review, analysis, and synthesis of a current topic in biology, or may be presented as a grant proposal in a format appropriate to a specific funding agency. Topics for the scholarly paper will be determined in consultation with the advisory committee.
Following an oral presentation of a scholarly paper to the student's Advisory Committee, the Advisory Committee will administer an oral examination, which covers both general knowledge of the candidate's field of study and a more in-depth analysis of the topic of the candidate's scholarly paper. Passing the oral examination is determined by the Advisory Committee, and is necessary to complete the degree requirements.
Admissions information
To apply for the M.S. in Biology program, you must follow the guidance provided below.
The application deadlines for each admissions cycle are as follows:
- February 1 for the following fall semester
- November 1 for the following spring semester
You can start your online application for this program through The Graduate School website, which provides detailed instructions on the application process.
In addition to the general requirements required by The Graduate School, the M.S. in Biology graduate program requires the following minimum qualifications:
- Cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher
- For international students, test scores of:
- Duolingo: 115, or
- TOEFL iBT: 79 (internet), or
- IELTS: 6.5 (academic version), or
- Pearson (PTE): 59, or
- Cambridge: 176
- GRE scores are recommended, but not required
- Undergraduate course work in physical sciences (3 credits), mathematics (6 credits), biology (18 credits), and chemistry (6 credits), or equivalent
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions attended. Applicants may submit unofficial transcripts provisionally, but official transcripts are required
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic record
The preferred approach to admission to the M.S. in Biology program is outlined below:
- Check our Biology faculty and their research areas
- Visit faculty websites, read some of their papers, and find an faculty advisor with interests that really excite you
- Contact faculty to express interest, and inquire if they are planning to accept students in the near future
- Sending a CV or short statement of interest during these initial email contacts is a great way to help faculty understand who you are and how might fit into their labs
- Ask faculty about potential financial support (RA or TA positions)
Admissions review process
The Biology Graduate Admissions Committee will review all complete files and will consider all aspects of each student’s application. The committee aims to be inclusive and flexible for admissions decisions for students with a variety of backgrounds. Applicants will be notified of admittance, denial, or placement on a waiting list within three months of the application deadline. Admitted students will have one month to indicate acceptance. Students on the waiting list will be notified of final disposition as soon as possible after acceptances have been received. Applications completed prior to the application review date will receive first and full consideration). The academic requirements for admission are the same for both Plan A and Plan B tracks.
Before admission into the Plan A (thesis option) master's degree track, a full-time faculty member of the Department of Biology, must be identified and agree to serve as Faculty Advisor (and chair of the three-member advisory committee). Potential advisors can be identified by reviewing faculty research interests. If a mutually satisfactory match of student and faculty interests and field of study cannot be obtained, admission into the research thesis program (Plan A) cannot be granted. Alternatively, the student may apply to the Plan B (non-thesis option) track or undertake advanced studies as a Graduate Special student. Students accepted into the Plan B master's track will be advised by the Special Programs Committee during the first semester of study until an Advisory Committee is established.
Financial support
Acceptance into the Master's Degree program does not obligate the Department of Biology or University to provide financial support. It is the responsibility of students to provide for the expense of their studies. However, there are a number of research and teaching assistantships in the Department of Biology for which students may apply. A typical teaching assistantship includes a graduate stipend of $17,000.00 ($1,700 per month for 10 months) with the department or faculty often providing a stipend for the two summer months. You will also significantly benefit from the University’s full coverage of non-resident tuition and health insurance costs, based on the hourly level of assistantships. Check out the Graduate School tuition and fees table for details. In addition, there are opportunities for supplementary income working on faculty grants and contracts, and the University administers an extensive program of financial aid services. Potential students are advised to check with the graduate school and discuss options for support with their prospective faculty advisors. The Department of Biology does not guarantee financial support.
Discover Graduate student scholarships in the Department of Biology
Biology Graduate Program Director
Interested in learning more about the M.S. in Biology degree? Reach out to Professor Steve Vander Wall to discover why this program may be right for you.