Biology, Master of Science
Overview
The Master of Science (MS) in Biology at Texas A&M University at San Antonio (A&M-SA) aims to provide an integrative biology curriculum, that emphasizes having broad and specialized knowledge within disciplines of biology, while gaining transferrable skills in data analytics, critical thinking, oral and written communication, and research techniques both in laboratory and field settings. Successful students earning a MS degree at A&M-SA will solidify their appreciation for the diversity the living world, their understanding of complex biological processes and impacts of the biological sciences on the environment and society.
Administrative Officers
Dr. Elizabeth Borda, Graduate Coordinator (Biology), STEM Building
Admission Process
Requirements
- Required Degree: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution.
- Coursework: 18 semester hours of undergraduate courses including: General Biology, General & Organic Chemistry, Biostatistics, Genetics, Evolution, Ecology, Cell Biology, Cell / Animal Physiology and/or Microbiology OR a combination of the latter disciplines, including 12 advanced semester hours in these disciplines.
- GPA: Undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.00* or GPA of the last 60 semester credit hours. *Students falling below the GPA minimum are encouraged to apply. Students are evaluated holistically based on several criteria (see Application Instructions and Required Documents).
- English Proficiency: 550 TOEFL Paper / 79 TOEFL Internet / 6.0 IELTS / Duolingo 100
- Personal Statement: Required. Provide a statement on the reason(s) for applying to the program, career goals and research interests.
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume: Required.
- Letters of Recommendation: 2 academic or professional reference(s) demonstrating your attributes for successful completion of this program.
The Department has the right to examine students’ prerequisites and to accept equivalent hours or to require additional work if necessary.
Please view the MS Biology curriculum and degree plans to learn how to fulfil the requirements.
For more information, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Borda, MS_Biology@tamusa.edu, Graduate Coordinator (Biology).
Application Instructions and Required Documents
Please see the graduate catalogue and follow those instructions:
DOMESTIC ADDMISSIONS: https://catalog.tamusa.edu/graduate/student-enrollment/admissions/domestic-students/
INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS: https://catalog.tamusa.edu/graduate/student-enrollment/admissions/international/
Additionally:
- Personal statement outlining the reason for applying for the Master of Science in Biology, career goals and research interests.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Letters from two references
- Supplemental Information Form: We strongly encourage contacting potential faculty mentor(s) prior to applying to the program to ensure sufficient space in Faculty labs and compatibility of research interests. Please select up to three faculty members in ranking order of priority. For Thesis Track applicants this form will also be used to indicate if they would like to be considered for a Graduate Assistantship (see Application Deadline).
APPLICATION FINAL DEADLINES:
Fall International: June 1st
Fall: July 15th
Spring International: October 1st
Spring: December 5th: Final deadline
Summer International: April 1st
Summer Entrance: May 5th
Program Details
The MS Biology Program at A&M-SA offers two tracks - Thesis and non-Thesis. Students pursuing the degree should consult with their thesis advisor and declare for one of the two tracks at the time of application or within the first semester of attendance within the program.
Thesis Track: Submission of a thesis based on the in-depth analysis of a research study. The thesis should conform to the format required by the biology program and must be approved by a Research (Advisory) Committee. Students are required to enroll in a minimum of 6 SCH of Thesis courses (i.e., BIOL 5306-A (Proposal), 5306-B (Defense)) for degree completion. If course requirements of BIOL 5306-B are not met, students must enroll in BIOL 5101 - Thesis Continuation (1 SCH) until thesis requirements (e.g., thesis approval, thesis defense) are complete.
Non-Thesis Track: Submission of a literature review or research report based on a topical study. The report will also need to conform to the required format. The research report must be approved by the academic advisor, and at least one other TAMUSA graduate faculty member. Students are required to enroll in a minimum of 3 SCH of BIOL 5301 - Independent Study for degree completion. Non-Thesis tack students are welcomed to participate in research in a Faculty lab for no credit by enrolling in BIOL 5001 - Research Experience.
Curricula
Thesis Track
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| BIOL 5105 | Graduate Seminar (Repeated Three Times) | 3 |
| BIOL 5310 | Graduate Scientific Scholarshp | 3 |
| BIOL 5312 | Graduate Scientific Writing and Communication | 3 |
| BIOL 5315 | Biostatistics I | 3 |
| BIOL 5318 | Graduate Data Analytics | 3 |
| BIOL 5306A | Thesis I: Proposal | 3 |
| BIOL 5306B | Thesis II: Defense | 3 |
| BIOL 5307 | Thesis Research | 3 |
| Advanced Topics Elective | 3-4 | |
| Research Methods Elective | 3-4 | |
| Advanced Topics Elective Courses | ||
| Biogeography and Biodiversity | ||
| Advanced Topics in Ecology & Evolution | ||
| Graduate Biology of Disease Vectors | ||
| Advanced Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology | ||
| Wildlife of Texas | ||
| Special Graduate Topics in Bio | ||
| Research Methods Electives | ||
| Research Methods in Cell and Molecular Biology | ||
| Research Methods in Field Biology | ||
| Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Biostatistics II | ||
| Graduate Bioinformatics | ||
| Graduate Internship in Biology | ||
| Graduate Biology of Disease Vectors | ||
| Graduate Parasitology | ||
| Special Graduate Topics in Bio | ||
| Graduate Bacteriology | ||
| Graduate Virology | ||
| Thesis Continuation | ||
| BIOL 5000 | Graduate Summer Research | 0 |
| Thesis Continuation | ||
| Total Credits | 30-32 | |
Non-Thesis Track
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| BIOL 5105 | Graduate Seminar (Repeated Three Times) | 3 |
| BIOL 5310 | Graduate Scientific Scholarshp | 3 |
| BIOL 5312 | Graduate Scientific Writing and Communication | 3 |
| BIOL 5315 | Biostatistics I | 3 |
| BIOL 5318 | Graduate Data Analytics | 3 |
| BIOL 5301 | Independent Study | 3 |
| Advanced Topics and/or Research Methods Electives | 18 | |
| Advanced Topics Course Electives | ||
| Biogeography and Biodiversity | ||
| Advanced Topics in Ecology & Evolution | ||
| Graduate Biology of Disease Vectors | ||
| Advanced Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology | ||
| Wildlife of Texas | ||
| Research Methods in Cell and Molecular Biology | ||
| Special Graduate Topics in Bio | ||
| Research Methods Course Electives | ||
| Research Methods in Field Biology | ||
| Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Biostatistics II | ||
| Graduate Bioinformatics | ||
| Graduate Internship in Biology | ||
| Graduate Bacteriology | ||
| Graduate Biology of Disease Vectors | ||
| Graduate Parasitology | ||
| Graduate Virology | ||
| Special Graduate Topics in Bio | ||
| Research Experience | ||
| BIOL 5001 | Graduate Research Experience | 0 |
| Total Credits | 36 | |