Program: Biological Sciences, M.S. - Georgia State University

Apr 07, 2025

2020-2021 Graduate Catalog

Biology faculty members are actively engaged in a wide variety of research endeavors. Research efforts are concentrated in the following specific areas: applied and environmental microbiology (AEM), cellular and molecular biology and physiology (CMBP), molecular genetics and biochemistry (MGB), and neurobiology and behavior (NB&B).

Graduate research assistantships and teaching assistantships in the department are available to qualified students admitted to the graduate program. In addition, students may also qualify for support from grants and contracts in connection with their research programs.

The Department of Biology accepts applications for all semesters. In order to be considered for graduate assistantships, applicants must have all application materials to the department by the posted deadline. Foreign applicants should allow at least two months for processing of their application materials.

Applicants may obtain additional information about the Department of Biology or specific disciplines by contacting the Graduate Coordinator, Larialmy Allen, at the addresses above.

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Biology has the following requirement. Applicants must complete and submit the Supplemental Application form for Biological Sciences to the Biology Department.

Degree Requirements

Students may choose between two degree options. The non-thesis option emphasizes coursework and the thesis option emphasizes research. However, all students enter under the non-thesis track. Transfer to the thesis option requires the approval of a thesis proposal by a three-member faculty committee that includes the thesis adviser.

In addition to the general degree plan, there are six discipline specific concentrations: applied and environmental microbiology (AEM), cellular and molecular biology and physiology (CMBP), medical science (MBMS), molecular genetics and biochemistry (MGB), neurobiology and behavior (NB&B), bioinformatics, and biotechnology. Students wishing to concentrate in AEM, MBMS, or Biotechnology must apply directly to those programs.

All entering M.S. students should obtain a copy of the departmental M.S. Policy Document. The document is available on the biology website or in the Graduate Coordinator’s office.

Biological Sciences, M.S.

Additional Admission Requirements

Degree Requirements

Thesis Options