Master of Science Programs in Biology
Master of Science Program Requirements
The Master of Science degree with a major in Biology is one of the largest graduate programs in the College of Sciences. There are numerous emphasis areas in which the student may develop a program designed specifically for a particular interest. Emphasis areas include: marine biology, ecology, physiology, microbiology, immunobiology, reproductive biology, biomedical sciences, systematic biology, botany and zoology. In addition, the program offers two specially designed concentration areas in biotechnology and wetland ecology and two interdisciplinary tracks in environmental science and marine science.
Students can choose from two degree options - thesis and nonthesis. A minimum of 31 semester hours of graduate credit is required of thesis students and 37 of nonthesis students. Seminar (B IOL 608 or 661) and research (BIOL 698) are required of all students. A substantial research project and a written Thesis (BIOL 699) are also required of students selecting the thesis option. The remaining coursework is selected according to the special interest of the student, with the guidance and approval of the student's faculty advisory committee.
Admission Requirements for regular admission to graduate programs are detailed in the University catalog and on our web site. In general, master's program applicants must have attained a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) with an overall grade point average of at least 2.7 (4.0 scale). Official transcripts must be submitted for all college-level courses taken. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all foreign applicants. In addition, the Department of Biological Sciences requires the following: 1) an undergraduate degree in Biology or a related field with a grade point average of 3.0 in the major; 2) satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores on the General Aptitude Test and Advanced Biology Test or satisfactory scores on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT); 3) a one-page Statement of Interest, wherein students describe their interest and reasons for applying to this program; 4) two satisfactory letters of recommendation; and 5) written acknowledgement from one of our department's faculty who agrees to serve as the student's major advisor, if the student is accepted.
Students who lack a degree in Biology or do not meet all of our admission standards, but are otherwise qualified, may be admitted on a provisional status. Contact the Master's Program Director for more details.
Application Deadlines
1) February 1 -- summer and fall semester admission
Students applying for financial aid from the Department of Biological Sciences should apply by this date to be considered for financial aid for the following academic year (fall-spring semester)
2) June 1 -- fall semester admission
3) October 1 - spring semester admission
Financial Aid
Three kinds of financial aid - Graduate Teaching Assistantships, Graduate Research Assistantships and graduate tuition grants -- are available for master's students. All are competitive. State-funded Graduate Teaching Assistantships and tuition grants are funded through the Department of Biological Sciences. Research Assistantships funded through grants to individual faculty are often available; students should contact potential faculty advisors about their availability. Graduate students may be eligible for additional sources of aid, such as National Direct Student Loans or University Scholarships, which are available through the University's Financial Aid Office.
Applications for admission and teaching assistantships may be obtained from:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA 23529-0050
(757) 683-3637
Department of Biological Sciences
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA 23529-0266
(757) 683-3595
For more information contact: Director, Biology Master's Program, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529-0266, (757) 683-3595, or email msbio@odu.edu
