There are three options available to students interested in obtaining a Master of Science Degree with a Major in Biology from PSU (see degree options below).
Typically, master's degrees are obtained within two years of matriculation. Individual master's programs are developed by the student in consultation with his or her faculty advisor and a graduate committee. Areas of study depend on the research interests of individual faculty.
A limited number of graduate teaching assistantships are available each year in the Department of Biology. These provide a small stipend and valuable teaching experience. Assignments are usually made in the laboratory sections of undergraduate courses. When students are accepted into the graduate program, they receive an application for an assistantship with the admission information packet.
Students must have completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with at least 25 hours of acceptable undergraduate courses in biology. These should include fundamental courses in botany, ecology, zoology, genetics, microbiology, and physiology. A cumulative total of 13 hours of chemistry, including organic chemistry is required. However, a student may count certain senior-graduate or graduate level chemistry for the degree requirements upon the recommendation of the advisor.
The application has two phases: an initial application and a final application. For the initial application, the applicant must send a letter of intent, PSU Biology Graduate Admission Application Form, and official transcripts (see below for more details).
For the final application, the applicant needs to submit other documents as required by the PSU Office of Graduate and Continuing Studies (see below). The procedures of the application are stated below.
Initial Application Procedure:
Note: Only when all documents including your letter of intent, PSU Biology Graduate Admission Application Form, Reference Forms, and official transcripts are received, will your application be processed. No exceptions.
Final Application Procedure:
This should only be completed after being informed by the Department of Biology that your application is complete and that a faculty member has agreed to serve as your advisor/mentor.
Application Deadlines: