Master of Science in Biology

Do you have the drive to pursue answers to biological questions? Have you always wanted to learn more about microbes and/or the human body? Would you like the opportunity to become a world-class research scientist or medical health professional?

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, then I highly encourage you to consider joining the Department of Biological Sciences at Alabama State University (ASU)!

Research and Training Opportunities

Training opportunities are important components of any science program, and here at ASU, our students have first-rate medical and research training opportunities available to them. We have partnerships with medical training institutions, including the University of South Alabama School of Medicine and the Virginia Tech Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. Our Students also obtain hands-on experience in the medical profession through our Tropical Pathology and Infectious Disease Association (TPaiDA) program. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) – MARC Program and the National Science Foundation (NSF) HBCU-UP Program are two important research training programs we offer to propel students toward scientific excellence. Furthermore, the Center for Nanobiotechnology affiliated with our department has received a national commendation.

Talented, Award-Winning Faculty and Students

Not only do we offer great degree and training programs, but the students enrolled in the Department of Biological Sciences at ASU constitute a plethora of award-winning individuals in the field of science. Our students have participated in medical internships both locally and internationally. They competitively present their research at national, regional and local conferences and symposia. They also hold membership to the BioMed Club (the department’s official pre-professional organization), the National Institute of Science, and Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society.

The education of our students is the primary focus of our faculty members. Our goal is to prepare our graduates for the future so that when they graduate from ASU they are able to compete with the best. Faculty members in the Department of Biological Sciences are united by our dedication to fostering the next generation of biologists and health professionals. Our student-centered philosophy motivates us to provide strong curricula, engage our students, and inspire them to leadership.

We implore you to peruse our website and really get a feel for the exciting opportunities our department has to offer. Come to ASU and allow your passion for learning to inspire you. It is truly a great time to be a BIO-Hornet!

Prerequisites

A Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or related field, and a minimum, cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a four-point scale.

Prerequisite courses include:

• Grade of “C” or better
• General Physics 8 sem. hours
• General Chemistry 8 sem. hours
• Organic Chemistry 8 sem. hours
• Cell Bio/Biochemistry. 4 sem. hours

Credit Hours

A minimum of 35 credit hours, which include the core requirements courses:

• BIO 500-Graduate Seminar in Biology
• BIO 517-Cell & Molecular Genetics
• BIO 521-Biological Tech. & Instrument.
• BIO 619-Molecular Genetics
• BIO 660-Research and Thesis

Test Requirements

Candidates must take the GRE Subject and General: No minimum score

requirement but preference is:

• Scale score:
• Verbal: 156
• Quantitative: 158
• Analytical Writing: 3
• Subject test: GRE (No minimum score)
• Letters of recommendation: 3

Length of Program and Deadline

Average time to graduation is 2 years.

Interested persons should apply 1 month before the current semester ends.

Graduate Fees

Below are estimated tuition and costs for full-time graduate students residing on-campus during the 2017-18 academic year. Actual costs and fees may vary depending on enrollment and lifestyle decisions. You also may wish to review estimated tuition and costs for part-time graduate enrollment on our complete budget worksheet.

For a breakdown of fees by credit hour and by semester, download the 2017-18 Schedule of Student Tuition and Fees.

Alabama State University was founded in 1867, in Marion, Ala., as a school for African-Americans. The school started as the Lincoln Normal School with $500 raised by nine formerly enslaved men now known as the Marion Nine, making ASU one of the nation’s oldest institutions of higher education founded for black Americans.

Today, Alabama State University, located in Montgomery, Ala., is a widely respected, world-class institution of higher learning that welcomes students of all races. We offer more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, from our historic teacher education program to a list of high-demand programs such as the Doctorate in Physical Therapy, the Ph.D. in microbiology, the Master of Accountancy, the Masters in Social Work and the Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance.