Master of Science in Biology
The Biology Department offers a Master of Science degree with two possible
options - (1) thesis option, and (2) non-thesis coursework option. The
thesis option has two possible tracks - (1) General
Biology track and (2) Cell and Molecular Biology track. This program
is designed to serve a wide variety of post-baccalureate education needs in
central Arkansas and serves students who may have diverse backgrounds
and goals. The program provides students with (1) core skills desired by
potential or current employers, (2) specific knowledge and techniques relevant
to specialized fields within biology, and (3) opportunity to work
independently on a thesis or project suitable to each student's aspirations.
The Department of Biology holds several qualities of excellence-- (1) it is
composed of active faculty with access to excellent laboratory and computer
facilities; (2) the department won the only "excellent" rating offered in a
1996-97 review of all state-funded Biology Departments, the review being
requested by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education and conducted by an
external review team; (3) grants and research activities are high priorities
among the faculty, such grants coming from national, regional and state funding
agencies; (4) undergraduate as well as graduate students are active in research,
and several have won student presentation awards in recent years.
The Department of Biology also holds an affiliation with the University of
Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (Biloxi,
Mississippi) to expand student opportunities for study. Additional liaisons
could be developed, as the need may arise, with the National Center for
Toxicological Research (Jefferson, AR), Veterans Administration, and other
agencies and institutions.
The Biology Department faculty holds expertise in most biological disciplines,
consequently a masters student could choose from a wide variety of research
topics for the thesis or special project options. Additionally a broad base of
graduate courses are available.
Admission Requirements
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Baccalaureate degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
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Upper level coursework (or equivalent) in four of the following six areas --
cell or molecular biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology, and organismal
biology.
-
Two lecture courses in physics and four lecture courses in chemistry (to
include inorganic and organic chemistry).
-
Combined scores of 950 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE
general section and scores (no set minimum) on the GRE Biology Subject exam.
GRE tests must have been taken within the last five years. International
students must present TOEFL scores. Minimum scores for acceptance are 525 on
the paper-based test or 195 on the computer-based version.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements may be admitted
conditionally on the recommendation of the graduate committee. Full admission
is contingent upon successful completion of courses
to remove any undergraduate deficiencies and completion of 12 graduate credits
with a GPA of 3.0 or above.
Application Procedures
Application materials should include:
-
A completed UALR Graduate School Application Form
-
GRE scores
-
Copies of all college transcripts.
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A formal letter of application written by the applicant.
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A personal statement of career interests and objectives (may be included in # 4).
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Three letters of recommendation from persons well acquainted with the applicant.
Letters from former faculty are especially encouraged.
Items 1-3 should be submitted to the Graduate School. Visit the
UALR Graduate School
to view admission requirements and online
application forms. Items 4-6 should be sent directly to the Biology
Graduate Program Coordinator.
Application materials deadlines:
-
April 15 for Fall Semester entry
-
November 1 for Spring Semester entry
A limited number of graduate assistantships are available. Contact the
program coordinator for information. Applicants seeking a teaching or
research assistantship must apply by March 1 to ensure full
consideration.
Program Requirements
A. General Biology Track
Core Requirements. All students in the General Biology Track must
complete 13 hours in the following core courses.
- Biometry (Biology 5415) - 4 hrs
- Experimental Design (Biology 7310) - 3 hrs
- Technical/Scientific Writing (Rhetoric 5302, 04, 06, 5315 or 17) - 3 hrs
- Graduate Seminar (Biology 7199) - 3 hrs
Thesis Option
Students pursuing a Thesis option must complete an additional 17 hours
of coursework, including 6 hours of thesis research (Biology 8100-8400)
and a minimum of 3 hours at the 7000 level or above.
Non-thesis Coursework Option
Students pursuing a non-thesis Coursework option must complete an
additional 23 hours of coursework, including at least 9 hours at the
7000 level or above.
B. Cell and Molecular Biology Track
Core Requirements. Students in the Cell and Molecular Biology
Track should complete 9-12 hours in 3 of the following 5 competency areas.
- Biochemistry - Chemistry 5420 (Biochemistry) or Applied
Science 7375 (Biochemistry of Biological Molecules)
- Computational Biology - Biology 5415 (Biometry)
- Genetics - Applied Science 7385 (Concepts in Genetic Analysis)
- Ecology and Evolution - Biology 5310 (Evolution) or Biology
5412 (Plant Ecology)
- Physiology - Biology 5403 (Comparative Physiology) or Biology
5419 (Plant Physiology)
Students pursuing the Cell and Molecular Biology Track must complete
an additional 18-21 hours of coursework, including 6 hours of thesis
research (Biology 8100-8400), 3 hours of Graduate Seminar (Biology 7190),
and a minimum of 3 hours at the 7000 level or above.
Questions concerning the Biology M.S. Program should be addressed to
the Graduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Stephen Grace, at (501) 569-3337
or scgrace@ualr.edu
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