Minimum number of credits required to complete the program: 32
Minimum cumulative GPA required: 3.0
School: School of Arts and Sciences
Learn more about the program
Mission
To deepen our 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
The M.S. in Biology degree offered by the Department of Biology is project-based, offering two concentrations: one in Biotechnology and Biomedical Science and one in Environmental Biology. The degree requires a total of 32 credits, which includes a minimum of two semesters of faculty mentored graduate research (four credits each for a total eight credits). Three additional graduate-only core courses are required for both concentrations: BIO 6001 Survey of Methods in Biological Research (four credits), BIO 5502 Careers in Biology (two credits), and BIO 5501 Graduate Research Seminar (two 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 and 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.
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