Program Availability
The Online Master of Science in Biology is open to eligible students in the U.S. (including the District of Columbia and all U.S. territories). The program also is open to students in Canada (all provinces). The program is closed to students residing in countries other than the U.S. and Canada except for U.S. military and State Department personnel and their family members with APO/FPO addresses
Why Earn an Online Master of Science in Biology at Indiana State?
Our 100% online Biology Master’s program is designed for adult learners seeking a flexible, accredited professional development program in biology.
Tailor the Program to Meet Your Career Goals
The online Biology Master’s Non-Thesis program is a valuable option that enables pre-professional students to develop courses of study tailored to meet their needs and interests.
The program includes a required research course plus coursework and seminars selected from areas such as biology, ecology, organismal biology, and life sciences. In addition, all students complete a culminating experience related to research with a faculty member. Areas of research expertise of the department include physiology, microbiology, bioinformatics, cell and molecular biology, ecology, evolution, genomics, and conservation. This program does not include a thesis.
This master’s program can be completed entirely online in three to five years of part-time study. The University allows students to take up to seven years to earn the degree. Students who have the flexibility to blend on-campus and online coursework can complete the program in two years of full-time study.
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.
The department is home to the Center for Bat Research, Outreach, and Conservation, which conducts scientific research and community outreach on the biology of bats. The department also houses the core facility of The Center for Genomic Advocacy, a multidisciplinary University center. The core facility is equipped with a next-generation sequencer and other key equipment for genomic research. The department also houses a research museum and maintains a field station. The University owns three natural areas that support field research.
What You’ll Learn in the Online Biology MS Program
The online Biology Master’s Non-Thesis program includes 32 credits of coursework, seminars, and research in areas such as physiology, ecology, life sciences, microbiology, systematics, evolution, and genetics. In addition, all students complete a culminating experience related to research with a faculty member. This program does not include a thesis.
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, state wildlife agencies, and many other related areas. The program also prepares students for professional schools.
Admission Requirements and 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
The following are application instructions and deadlines for the Online Biology MS program.
How to Apply
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.
- 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 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 (PhD)
Doctoral
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Biology: Non-Thesis (Accelerated MS)
Accelerated Master's Master's
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Biology (BS)
Bachelor's