M.S. in Biology
James Madison University
Key Information
Campus location
Harrisonburg, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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* Applications will be accepted after the deadline until all available seats in the program are filled.
Introduction
The primary objectives of the program are to enrich the student's subject knowledge and give the student a rigorous experience in research and thesis writing. Students can also acquire training and experience in teaching. Training in teaching is provided through courses and the mentored teaching of biology laboratories. Thus, students not only gain research experience but also learn to be effective teachers and communicators.
Currently, the biology department has research strengths in the following areas:
- Cell Biology and Genetics
- Comparative and Functional Morphology
- Developmental Biology
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior, and Systematics
- Microbiology
- Neurobiology
- Plant Biology
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Many students enrolled in this program are offered graduate assistantships that reduce the cost of tuition and provide a stipend that is sufficient to cover the cost of housing, food, and other expenses. For more information about funding for graduate students in Biology, follow the link below.
Curriculum
Minimum Requirements
- BIO 700. Thesis Research Credits: 1.00 - 6.00 (Must be taken for six credit hours) Credits / Units: (6.00)
- Electives (15 credits must be at the 600- or 700-level, including BIO 700) Credits / Units: 24.00
Additional Requirements
Students wishing to receive training and mentoring in teaching and who wish to teach biology laboratories are also required to take BIO 600. College Science Teaching (2 credits), BIO 601. Mentored Teaching (1 credit) and BIO 602. Effective Scientific Communication (2 credits). These courses are strongly recommended for all students. Exemptions require the approval of the student’s advisory committee.
All students must have their individual program of study approved by the student’s Thesis Advisory Committee and the head of the academic unit.
Up to nine hours of graduate credit from accredited institutions may be accepted toward the Master of Science degree, subject to the general regulations and procedures of The Graduate School regarding transfer credit.
Full-time biology graduate students are required to attend and participate in the biology departmental seminars while in residence.
Note on Course Offerings
For a student to enroll in any biology graduate course the department assumes the student meets minimal course requirements for entrance into the Master of Science degree program in biology. Permission from the instructor is required if this is not the case.