Eastern Kentucky University | 859-622-1000 | admissions@eku.edu
EKU Logo
EKU Logo
Apply Now Get Info Search
Hero Image

Master of Science in Biology

Department of Biological Sciences

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Master of Science in Biology

Department of Biological Sciences

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

On-Campus

Program

30 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$572-$780 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Pursue Advanced Biology Training. Choose a Thesis or Non-Thesis Track.

The Master of Science in Biology, with thesis and non-thesis options, provides students the opportunity to gain field-specific skills and knowledge related to a variety of careers in biological sciences. Students engaged in thesis work may conduct research in areas of aquatic biology, animal behavior and ecology, plant systematics and ecology, wildlife and conservation biology, physiological and molecular ecology, and biomedical sciences including cellular and molecular biology, and microbiology. Students who chose the non-thesis, or project-based track, will produce a written product as part of the Capstone course.

Both tracks prepare students for a successful career in biological sciences. Graduates will gain skills in experimental design, biostatistics, research, and enhanced analytical and writing skills.

Apply Now Schedule a Visit

Learn More

Loading…

Career Outlook

Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologist is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032. Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Biology careers are challenging and rewarding fields.

Job Titles Include:

  • Job Title List – need from department

EKU biology graduates are prepared for careers in variety of roles.

Employers Include:

  • Employer List – need from department

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Multiple teaching assistantships are awarded to incoming master’s students every fall
  • Faculty advisor/mentor with similar research interests
  • Generally small labs size results in directed mentoring from faculty
  • Easy access to four diverse ecoregions for field work
  • Partnerships with R1 universities in the region afford our students access to molecular core facilities
  • Students interested in cell-based and biomedical sciences have access to state-of-the-art biomedical suites.

Program Options

The Master of Science in Biology has both a thesis and non-thesis track. Both tracks prepare students for a successful career in biological sciences. Graduates will gain skills in experimental design, biostatistics, research, and enhanced analytical and writing skills.

Graduate students must complete a minimum of 30-36 graduate semester hours for the Master of Science degree, depending on whether a thesis or project based concentration is pursued. At least 50 percent of the course work hours must be at the 800 level. The planned program of study must consist of:

  • at least 18 semester hours of biology including BIO 810 Biostatistics (3 hours), BIO 801 Scientific Literature & Writing in Biology (2 hours), BIO 800 Biology and Ethics (1 hour), and
  • 12 semester hours of additional electives in biology or other courses in the natural and mathematical sciences.

A grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained; a maximum of six semester hours of course work with a grade of “C” may be applied toward degree requirements.

Graduate students on the thesis track must complete a minimum of 30 graduate semester hours for the M.S. degree.

The program of study must include:

  • Six hours of ‘Biology core’ courses: Biology and Ethics (BIO 800; 1 hour), Scientific Literature and Writing (BIO 801; 2 hours) and Biostatistics (BIO 810; 3 hours).
  • Six hours of thesis research (BIO 891)
  • 18 additional hours in biology or related subject areas. Students completing a 30 hour program must have at least 12 hours of 800-level course credit. Students may complete more than 30 hours of coursework, but at least 50% of non-thesis coursework must be at the 800-level

All students must also:

  • Demonstrate their knowledge of biology and preparation for carrying out their thesis research by successfully passing an oral defense of their written thesis proposal (GRD 857A; exam administered by the student’s graduate committee)
  • Pass an oral examination in defense of their thesis (GRD 858A)

Graduate students on the non-thesis track must complete a minimum of 36 graduate semester hours for the M.S. degree.

The program of study must include:

  • Six hours of ‘Biology core’ courses: Biology and Ethics (BIO 800; 1 hour), Scientific Literature and Writing (BIO 801; 2 hours) and Biostatistics (BIO 810; 3 hours).
  • Completion of Current Review of Biology (BIO 880; 3 hours) and completion of 21 hours of approved electives.

All students must also:

  • Demonstrate their knowledge of biology and preparation for completing their research paper by successfully passing an oral defense of their written BIO 880 proposal (GRD 857A; exam administered by the student’s graduate committee)
  • Pass an oral examination in defense of the review written for BIO 880 (Current Review of Biology)

Curriculum & Admission

EKU’s biology curriculum prepares you to take your career to the next level, depending on your area of interest and personal goals.

Biology courses are taught by faculty members with a variety of teaching and research interests across the discipline. Courses include biology and ethics, scientific literature and writing, biostatistics, immunology, virology, principles of molecular biology, and field methods in ecology.

A minimum of 30 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 12 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 15 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May

Many of our graduate students are employed as graduate assistants or part-time instructors, helping to teach our non-science-major labs under the direction of our PhD faculty. Candidates must have full application materials submitted to the EKU Graduate School by February 15th to be considered for an assistantship awarded in the Fall. Further, part-time teaching opportunities are commonly available for students not awarded assistantships.

If you have questions, please contact Dr. Oliver Oakley, the Graduate Program Coordinator for the Department of Biological Sciences at oliver.oakley@eku.edu.

All applicants must meet the general requirements established by the Office of Graduate Education and Research for clear admission. Final acceptance of an applicant is determined by the Graduate Affairs Committee of the Department of Biological Sciences.

All applications to the Graduate School must include:

All applicants must meet the general requirements established by the Graduate School for clear admission.

  • Applicants who do not hold the minimum 2.5 cumulative undergraduate GPA are expected to have verbal scores of 146 or above, quantitative scores of 140 or above, and analytical writing scores of 3.0 or above on the Graduate Record Exam.
  • Applicants should have an undergraduate major in an area of the biological sciences, and supporting courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics are recommended. Any deficiencies in a successful applicant’s undergraduate training will be specified by the Department’s Graduate Affairs Committee at the time of admission.

Prior to admission, applicants must have a faculty member from the Department of Biological Sciences agree to serve as their advisor should they be accepted to the program.

Information concerning the research interests of faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences is available online at eku.edu/stem. Applicants should contact faculty with similar research interests to determine if they are accepting new students and would be willing to serve as their advisor.

Once an advisor has been identified, applicants and/or advisors should inform the Graduate Coordinator. Applications will not be considered complete without the Graduate Studies Advisor Agreement Form.

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our enrollment advisor or graduate coordinator today.

professional photo of shaker ezaizat

Shaker Ezaizat

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-2316
shaker.ezaizat@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment
Person outline image when no photo is available

Dr. Oliver Oakley

Graduate Coordinator for EKU Biological Sciences

859-622-3057
oliver.oakley@eku.edu

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

photo of Amelia Smith

Amelia Smith

EKU Biomedical Research Student
EKU has professors that really care about their students and will help them succeed in and outside of the classroom. EKU has allowed me to be involved in undergraduate research opportunities which has helped me learn skills at a deeper level and work with a faculty mentor.

Quick Links

Upcoming Events

Calendars
Venues
Days of the Week
Time of Day
List
Grid
Plain
Wed
16

Walkabout Wednesday

at – recurcalendar-day
Thu
17

Feel Better Fast! Weekly Drop-in Workshops to Improve Mood

at – recurcalendar-day
Fri
18

Feel Better Fast! Weekly Drop-in Workshops to Improve Mood

at – recurcalendar-day
Mon
21

Midterm Grades (online courses) – Spring B

calendar-day
Mon
21

Peak Performance Weekly Workshop

at – recurcalendar-day
Tue
22

Coping Strategies for Trauma Survivors – Copy

at – recurcalendar-day

News & Updates

Students Take Their Research to Harvard, Representing EKU at the National Level

In January, six Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) students traveled to Harvard University and presented their research at the National Collegiate Research Conference (NCRC). This marked the second time students from EKU attended the conference, following recommendations from faculty mentors. “Our students being accepted to showcase their research at the NCRC—at Harvard—shows the massive potential of […]

EKU College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Congratulates Fall 2024 Graduates

Congratulations to the Fall 2024 graduates of Eastern Kentucky University! EKU proudly celebrated over 1,300 students during the commencement ceremonies held on December 5 and 6, 2024, at the EKU Center for the Arts. This milestone honors the hard work and accomplishments of the remarkable graduates from all of EKU’s academic colleges. Family, friends, faculty, staff, […]

EKU Herbarium, Largest Collection in Kentucky, Highlights the Region’s Biodiversity

Fall Foliage Week begins at the end of September, kicking off the start of “leaf-peeping” season, meaning many people will be driving to see fall foliage. The show of fall colors highlights the beautiful landscape of Kentucky, while also bringing focus to the biodiversity of plant species in the region.  Nestled within Eastern Kentucky University’s […]

Contact Information

Department of Biological Sciences

Science Building
Room 3238
533 John Hanlon Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-1531
biology@eku.edu

Department Directory