BIOLOGY - Graduate Program

Department of Biology

Virginia State University

Departmental Graduate Program in Biology

Graduate study in Biology is designed to prepare students for careers in teaching and research in state, federal, and private institutions, including colleges, universities, and research laboratories or for further study.

Graduate study in Biology leads to the Master of Science (M.S.) degree. Students with undergraduate majors in other sciences are also encouraged to pursue graduate work in Biology. Additional study may be required of students whose undergraduate program in biology, other sciences and mathematics was too narrow or limited.

A student might complete the degree requirements in one year and a summer; however, a two-year program is recommended.

The student-faculty ratio is usually low and there is adequate opportunity for faculty advising, counseling, and research supervision.

Admission Requirements

For unconditional admission, the student must present a GRE score of 700 (350 in each area) and 6-8 semester hours in physics, chemistry and mathematics. All applicants must have a minimum of eight semester hours of general chemistry, eight semester hours of organic chemistry, eight semester hours of general physics and one year of mathematics. Applicants not possessing the above requirements may be admitted to the program, but will be expected to make up the deficiencies on a collateral basis.

Program Requirements

A minimum of 30 semester hours including the thesis is required for the M.S. degree. Each student, with a faculty advisor, plans a tentative graduate program early in the first semester. Students are encouraged to begin their independent research in the second semester of their first year. Every effort is made to plan the graduate program around the needs and interests of the students.

A non-thesis option is also available. Each student enrolled in the non-thesis option must complete a minimum of 36 semester hours and also pass a written and/or oral comprehensive examination in a special emphasis area of Biology. All students pursuing the non-thesis option will also complete the requirements as set forth in the Licensure Regulations by the Virginia Department of Education to become endorsed to teach biology.