Biology

Minimum number of credits required to graduate:  32

Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate:  3.0

 

Mission:

To deepen out students’ knowledge of biology and the scientific enterprise, and to provide our students with a competitive advantage in their applications to graduate and professional schools, and in the job market.

 

Master of Science in Biology with concentrations in Biotechnology & Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology:

The Master of Science degree offered by the Department of Biology is project based, requiring a total of 32 credits, including a minimum of two semesters of faculty mentored Graduate Research (4 credits each for 8 credits).  Three additional graduate-only core courses are required for both concentrations:  Survey of Methods in Biological Sciences (4 credits), Careers in Biology (2 credits), and Graduate Research Seminar (2 credits).  The remaining credits are fulfilled by electives that include lecture/lab, seminar, and research courses.  In order to complete the master’s program in one calendar year, students must take at least two courses during the summer, one of which is usually a third semester of Graduate Research.

Entry Requirements:

Applicants must have a B.A. or B.S. degree in Biology or Biochemistry, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a 3.0 GPA in math and science courses.  Applicants with other degrees who meet the following course prerequisites will also be considered: 1 year of introductory biology, plus four additional topic-based, upper level biology courses; one year of college level math including precalculus.  In addition, the following concentration specific courses are required: for Biotechnology & Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, plus two semesters of college level chemistry; for Environmental Biology, Ecology. 

Prior to acceptance into the program, all applicants must complete an interview and be placed with a faculty research mentor.  Applicants are strongly advised to submit their materials by February 1 for summer and fall starts.  Merrimack College students do not need letters of recommendation, but students from other institutions must submit two letters.  There is no GRE requirement.