Master of Science in Biology

Biology students working with a petri dish
Photo by Michael Modecki.
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Our flexible master's program will allow you to develop an individualized degree plan in collaboration with a faculty advisor. You will gain the skills and knowledge to conduct an in-depth exploration of a topic of interest to you. As a biology graduate student, you will participate in interdisciplinary study under the guidance of dedicated faculty mentors, attend seminars featuring nationally recognized scientists and experts, and have the opportunity to publish and present your research at conferences.

As a student pursuing your master's degree in biology, you will have two options.

  1. Thesis — a minimum of 30 semester credit hours, including six semester credit hours for thesis.
  2. Professional paper — 30 semester credit hours, including three semester credit hours for professional paper and six semester credit hours of education or equivalent coursework as approved by an advisory committee.

The final examination for each emphasis consists of an oral defense of the student's thesis or professional paper.

Degree details

Admission requirements

Admission requirements for the MS in Biology

Program Contact

Dayna Loyd Averitt, MSCI, Ph.D.
940-898-2708
DAveritt@twu.edu

Application Priority Deadlines

Fall – February 15

Admission Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree in biology or its equivalent that demonstrates the ability to pursue advanced study in biology.
  • Curriculum vitae or resume.
  • You will upload a statement of purpose (1-3 pages) that describes your reasons for pursuing graduate work, background experience, and how your professional goals align with our masters program and faculty.
  • You will be asked to provide three email addresses for academic individuals (professors, mentors, supervisors) familiar with your academic preparation and potential for success in graduate studies. They will receive an email request to submit the letter of recommendation directly into the application system. 
  • Participate in an interview (videoconference or phone). Qualified candidates being considered for admission will be contacted by the Division of Biology to schedule an interview.

Applicants who satisfy the Graduate School’s admission standards are forwarded for review to the departmental admissions committee. This committee is responsible for recommending acceptance into biology graduate programs.

Graduate Admission

Begin by reviewing your program's website to see if there are additional admission requirements and application deadlines prior to applying.  

  1. Apply online.
    Apply to Graduate Programs  via the TWU Online Graduate Application Portal following instructions below.  
  2. Submit transcripts to TWU.
    • Domestic Applicants must submit official transcripts for each college or university attended, both undergraduate and graduate. See the Information on Transcripts website for more details. Original transcripts for each college/university attended must be submitted, even if referred to on another schools transcripts.
    • International Applicants are now required to provide an evaluation prepared by a NACES or AICE member evaluation service. International transcripts should not be sent directly to TWU. See the International Admissions website for more details.
  3. Submit Recommendation Requests
    If your program requires you to submit names for recommendations you will need to do it in the application. List of programs-majors.  
  4. Pay the application fee.
    The $50 fee ($75 fee for International applicants), which applies to all new and returning applicants, can be paid by:
    1. Credit card - Pay Online through the application as the last step before submitting the application. The second portion of the application will not be available until the application fee has been received.
    2. Fee Waivers - Graduate applicants who are certified McNair Scholars are eligible for a McNair Scholar Application Fee Waiver. TWU Alumni may be eligible for the Alumni Advantage Fee Waiver. Check your eligibility here: https://twu.edu/alumni-advantage/. If eligible submit the request using the Application Fee Waiver Submission
    3. Following fee payment return to the application dashboard where supplemental application documents can be uploaded. The online application will list which documents are needed to fulfill the program admission requirements. You can also check the program's website.
  5. Submit Program supplemental documents
    1. Submit all program requests for Resume, Statement of Purpose, Artist or Research Statement, Scholarly Writing Sample, Custom Essay, Portfolio Document, Video Submission, Licensure, Department Specific Application, Teaching Service Record, Teaching Certificate, etc. following submission of your application fee.

Watch for emails from your new program/department that may come to your TWU email address.

For more information or assistance with the application or graduate admissions, visit the Graduate Admissions website.

Students who wish to apply for a Graduate Assistantship must meet the General Criteria for Appointment of Graduate Assistants.

Need more information?

For questions about our biology master’s program, please contact:

Dayna Loyd Averitt, MSCI, PhD
940-898-2708
DAveritt@twu.edu

Page last updated 8:43 AM, December 4, 2024