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

Apr 22, 2025

2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

The M.S. in Biological Sciences offers a flexible curriculum that fits individual students’ needs and opportunities to engage in research, scholarship, and/or creative activity. The degree requires the development of a student-centered curriculum and a culminating capstone project (approved by the faculty advisor) for a total of 32 credit hours.

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, admission criteria for pursuit of M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Biology require:

A strong record of coursework and a bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field.
A Statement of Purpose, a writing sample, and letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s potential for graduate work in Biology (three for the Ph.D. and two for the M.S. program).

For Ph.D. students and Master’s students with a research concentration (RES), evidence of prior laboratory or related research experience relevant to Biology will be viewed favorably

Students seeking to enter the Medical Sciences (MBMS) concentration must select the concentration when they apply to the program. These students must have fulfilled their medical school application course requirements, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, and apply by the priority deadline. All other Master’s students can choose a concentration after entering the program.

Biology Core (13 hours)

BIOL 6564 - Advanced Genetics 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 6800 - Principles of Cellular Biology 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 8710 - Concepts in Molecular Genetics 2 Credit Hours
Foundations in Molecular Biological Techniques:
BIOL 6000 - Life Science Professional Skills 1 Credit Hours
BIOL 8700 - Biology Seminar 2 Credit Hours

Biology Courses (15 Hours)

Select one course from the following:

BIOL 6045K - General Ecology 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 6074 - Developmental Biology 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 6100 - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 6240 - Endocrinology 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 6248 - Cell Physiology 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 6278 - Immunology 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 6458 - Microbial Ecology and Metabolism 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 6575 - Virology 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 6580 - Microbial Pathogenesis 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 6800 - Principles of Cellular Biology 4 Credit Hours
Select 11 Credit Hours from BIOL 6000- or 8000-level classes with the exception of BIOL 6900. BIOL 7000-level courses are not applicable.

Additional Information

Up to four credit hours may come from BIOL 6916 - Internships in Biology Students interested in internships should contact the Biology Graduate Office (biograd@gsu.edu).
Up to nine credit hours may come from coursework outside of Biology. Such coursework will require the approval of the M.S. Program Director.

Non-Thesis Capstone (4 hours)

To satisfy this requirement, the student must select a faculty advisor and enroll in one of the following in their final semester:

BIOL 6996 - Non-Thesis Capstone Literature Review 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 6997 - Non-Thesis Capstone Internship 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 6998 - Non-Thesis Capstone Project 4 Credit Hours