Graduate Curriculum
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology—a research- and coursework-oriented program preparing students for doctoral study and careers in industry, government, and academia.
Study biology at the graduate level
Jackson State University’s degree options in Biology are designed to prepare students for graduate or professional studies, as well as for entering the job market. Students can elect to specialize in Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Pre-Health Careers (Dentistry, Medicine, Optometry, etc.), or Pre-Health Career Prerequisites (Pre-Dental, Hygiene, Pre-Nursing).
The Department of Biology is an integral component in the vibrant and esteemed College of Science, Engineering, and Technology at Jackson State University, the urban university of Mississippi. Designated by the Carnegie Foundation as a research-intensive university, Jackson State University offers Biology to study the basic science of life and the foundation of life science studies.
- Degree
- M.S. in Biology
- College
- Science, Engineering & Technology
- Routes
- Thesis, Research Project, Coursework
- Location
- Peoples Science Building, Rm 335
- Phone
- (601) 979-2586
Program overview
The Department of Biology in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) offers graduate studies leading toward the Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology. The M.S. in Biology degree is research/coursework-oriented and designed to satisfy academic requirements for those students intending eventually to seek degree(s) beyond the master’s level. There are three graduation options:
Program objectives
- To provide academic and practical training of high quality at the master’s degree level.
- To contribute to the pool of biologists and environmental scientists qualified to undertake doctoral degree programs, and to obtain employment in industry, government, and academic institutions.
- To offer a program that will enable biology and environmental science majors to obtain the necessary classroom, laboratory, and/or field experiences required for entering areas in and related to environmental science directly upon graduation.
Admissions requirements
In addition to the requirements set forth by the Division of Graduate Studies, all applicants seeking admission to the M.S. in Biology and/or M.S. in Environmental Science programs in the Department of Biology must meet the following minimum admission requirements:
- Compliance with immunization requirements: Immunization Requirements.
- An undergraduate (B.S.) degree in biology or a related field. For M.S. in Environmental Science program applicants, at least 16 credit hours of biology courses are required.
- A minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or higher, as evidenced by an official transcript from all accredited colleges and universities attended.
- Application for admission to JSU Graduate School.
- Three letters of recommendation (sent directly to the department), at least 2 from academic professors who can assess the applicant’s:
- academic qualifications;
- written and oral communication skills;
- capacity for critical and analytical thinking;
- overall potential for graduate studies. (Letters of recommendation form)
- A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) composite (verbal plus quantitative) score of 800 is required. For applicants with a score below 800, partial credit will be assigned.
Ready to join?
For more information, contact the Department of Biology at (601) 979-2586 or biologydept@jsums.edu.
Department of Biology
Department of Biology
1400 J.R. Lynch St., P.O. Box 18540
Jackson, MS 39217