Program Availability
The Master of Science in Biology at Indiana State University is a traditional, on-campus program offered on the Indiana State University campus in Terre Haute, Indiana. The program is open to U.S. and international applicants who satisfy admission requirements.
Why Earn a Master of Science in Biology at Indiana State?
Our Master of Science in Biology is specialized to fit the needs and professional aspirations of each individual student. Thesis and non-thesis options are available.
Tailor the Program to Meet Your Research Interests and Career Goals
As a student in our biology master’s program, you will have opportunities to specialize in a diversity of areas within the field. The Department’s areas of research expertise include behavior, physiology, microbiology, bioinformatics, cell and molecular biology, ecology, evolution, genomics, and conservation. Within these areas, specific research projects are based on the expertise of the graduate faculty.
Working with a professor from the graduate faculty in Biology, you will chart a program of study based on your research interests and goals. You will have the option of completing either a master’s thesis (thesis option) or a culminating experience related to research with a faculty member (non-thesis option).
Learn from Our Excellent Faculty
Faculty in the Department of Biology aspire to nurture the academic potential of every student and advance knowledge through quality research. Many of our faculty members have received awards and recognition for their research in biological sciences. Our small class sizes enable students to work jointly with their professors on research projects, which may result in presentations at scientific meetings and publications in scientific journals.
Conduct Research in Our Labs
Learn, conduct research, and engage with others in our on-campus laboratory centers for biological sciences. Facilities feature instruments and computers designated for research. This includes the Center for Genomic Advocacy, with equipment for sequencing genomes; the Center for Bat Research, Outreach, and Conservation, encouraging research on bats and other outreach programs; the Indiana University School of Medicine-Terre Haute, located on Indiana State’s campus; a greenhouse space; and other on-campus laboratory facilities that emphasize hands-on learning and mentorship.
What You’ll Learn in the Biology MS Program
The Master of Science in Biology includes 32 credit hours of coursework, seminars, and research in areas such as physiology, ecology, life sciences, microbiology, systematics, evolution, and genetics.
Students choose between a thesis and a non-thesis option.
View the full curriculum for the Biology MS with a thesis.
View the full curriculum for the Biology MS without a thesis.
Financial Assistance and Scholarships
Financial support is available on a competitive basis for students completing the Biology Master’s with Thesis option. This package usually includes a tuition waiver and a teaching assistantship, which involves instruction in undergraduate laboratory classes but may sometimes consist of a research assistantship provided by faculty grant funding.
To ensure full consideration for assistantship funding, all application materials must be submitted by February 1 (for fall admission) or October 15 (for spring admission). Funding opportunities are usually more limited for spring admission.
Note: Students completing the Biology Master’s with Non-Thesis option are not eligible for departmental assistantships and tuition fee waivers.
Career Possibilities for Biology MS Graduates
Indiana State’s Master of Science in Biology provides the strong background needed to pursue a career in college or university teaching and research, in government and industrial research, with state wildlife agencies, and in many other related areas. The program also prepares students for professional schools.
Admission Requirements and Application Instructions
Applications are accepted for Fall and Spring admission. To ensure full consideration, all application materials must be submitted by February 1 (for fall admission) or October 15 (for spring admission).
Admission is based on the following requirements.
Admission Requirements and Information
Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree granted by a regionally accredited institution (for international students, a degree granted by a recognized institution).
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative undergraduate 3.0 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale with an undergraduate major in biology or its equivalent, including coursework in mathematics through calculus or statistics, one year of physics, and chemistry through organic. Applicants with deficiencies may be granted conditional admission.
Application should include official scores for the General Tests of the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). Scores should be near or above the fiftieth percentile on quantitative and verbal sections, and 4.0 for the analytical writing section.
Application should include a completed Curriculum Vitae Application Form.
Application should include three letters of recommendation from individuals who could comment on the applicant’s academic performance, scientific knowledge, and the likelihood of success in graduate school. Important: Have the names and email addresses of your references available at the time that you are completing your admission application, as you will need to enter them in the online application. Explain to your references that they will receive an email from Indiana State University requesting that they submit a letter of recommendation. Please ensure that your references expect to receive this request. It will be sent to your references immediately upon completing the application.
Application Instructions
Complete Indiana State University’s online application for admission at apply.indstate.edu/portal/apply?tab=overview.
Submit official transcripts from all colleges previously attended. To be official, transcripts must be sent directly from the college attended to: Graduate Admissions, Indiana State University, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809. E-transcripts should be sent to admissions@indstate.edu.
Submit a nonrefundable application fee of $45.00 (U.S. citizens and permanent residents) or $65.00 (international students) payable by Visa, MasterCard, or check or money order payable to Indiana State University. Submit payment to: Indiana State University, Graduate Admissions, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809.
Submit the following as part of the online application process.
- The completed Curriculum Vitae Application Form.
- Submit official GRE scores. To be official, scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to Indiana State University.
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who could comment on the applicant’s academic performance, scientific knowledge, and the likelihood of success in graduate school. Important: Have the names and email addresses of your references available at the time that you are completing your admission application as you will need to enter them in the online application. Explain to your references that they will receive an email from Indiana State University requesting that they submit a letter of recommendation. Please ensure that your references expect to receive this request. It will be sent to your references immediately upon completing the application.
- International applicants submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL or provide equivalent evidence of language proficiency. Submit scores to: Indiana State University, Graduate Admissions, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809. For other important information, see Instructions for International Students.
Applications are accepted for Summer or Fall admission. To ensure full consideration, all application materials must be submitted by February 1 (for fall admission) or October 15 (for spring admission). Applications and application materials received after the deadlines will not be considered for admission.
Next Steps
Once admitted, students receive notification from the University as well as their University ID number needed to activate their University Username on the MyISU Portal. The Portal offers access to online registration, University records, and other important University services, including email and University announcements.
Note: Returning ISU students must apply for re-admission if they have not attended Indiana State University for more than two calendar years.
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Biology without Thesis (MS) Biology
Master's
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Biology (PhD)
Doctoral
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Biology: Non-Thesis (Accelerated MS)
Accelerated Master's Master's