1. A baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) in biology or closely related discipline. We expect that incoming students will have completed courses in molecular and cellular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, anatomy and physiology, as well as one year of mathematics, one year of physics and two years of chemistry. Any undergraduate deficiencies in the above must be rectified before enrolling in graduate courses where these courses are particularly relevant. Exceptions may be made with permission of the graduate director.
2. A minimum GPA of 3.0.
3. A written personal statement demonstrating rationale for pursuing a research thesis degree (MS). This includes stating what area of research the applicant wishes to pursue and which faculty best fit the applicant's research interests. Ideally one would have contacted these faculty prior to applying.
4. Two letters of reference addressing the applicant's potential for graduate studies.

Submission of GRE General Test scores or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores is optional.

The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student's potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience may compensate.

Students are expected to maintain or exceed a 3.0 average in their coursework; students whose average drops below 3.0 will be placed on probation and are subject to dismissal from the program with continued underperformance.  All students should meet with the graduate program director at least once each semester. Candidates must complete 30 semester hours of graduate work including two semesters of

 Graduate Seminar.  Either  master's research culminating in a thesis (-) or a capstone project in biology (Non-thesis option, ( and ), a total of 6 credits) are required to complete the degree. At least 15 credits must be in biology courses; up to 9 s.h. of electives may be chosen outside the department of biology with the permission of the graduate program director.