Master of Science in Biology

The Master of Science in biology program provides students with core skills, general knowledge in biology, and specific techniques relevant to specialized fields within biology. It is a common stepping-stone degree to UA Little Rock’s Ph.D. in applied bioscience.

The master’s degree is offered with a thesis option or a non-thesis coursework option. The thesis option that leads to the M.S. has two possible tracks: General Biology or Cell and Molecular Biology.

The Department of Biology affiliation’s with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory expand student opportunities for study.

If you have questions about the M.S. in biology program, please email Dr. Nawab Ali, graduate program coordinator, or call 501-916-6518.

Admission Requirements

Students applying to the M.S. program in biology should meet all the requirements for admission to the UA Little Rock Graduate School. Applications for fall semester entry are due by April 15 and spring semester entry applications are due by November 1.

In addition, the following requirements should be met:

  • Baccalaureate degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Upper level coursework (or equivalent) in four of the following six areas: cell or molecular biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology, and organismal biology.
  • Two lecture courses in physics and four lecture courses in chemistry (to include inorganic and organic chemistry)
  • A minimum combined score of 950 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test.
  • International students must present TOEFL scores.

Read about conditional admission to the M.S.

Graduation Requirements

  • Successful completion of an approved program of study with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Successful completion of comprehensive exit examinations
  • Successful completion of the thesis and oral defense
  • Successful completion of the writing and seminar requirements

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