The Department of Biology Department offers a 30 credit-hour Master of Science (M.S.) program that prepare students for careers in the biological sciences or that draw on the biological sciences.

The M.S. thesis option not only provides career preparation, but also provides a strong foundation for further academic training, such as medical school or a doctoral program. Students select an advisor who helps them select an advisory committee that works closely with each student to tailor a specific curriculum to meet that student’s needs and interests and to guide their thesis work. Students typically complete the necessary course work and research thesis for the master’s degree in 2-3 years.

The M.S. non-thesis option is based on preparing students for a broad array of careers that draw on expertise in the biological sciences. Non-thesis students will generally select 27 credits of electives from graduate-level biology courses but may include up to 12 credits of graduate courses in other programs. Non-thesis students will complete a 3 credit capstone experience and will select an advisor to work closely with them on tailoring a specific curriculum and capstone experience to meet that student’s needs and interests. The non-thesis option can be completed in 1-2 years.

Students in the biology master’s programs have research, capstone and/or course work opportunities that reflect the diverse interests of faculty members within the department. Please see the description of research of Biology faculty members and description of graduate courses in Biology.

For information regarding deadlines and requirements for admission, please see https://grs.uncg.edu/programs/.

In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, applicants must submit a personal statement explaining how the master’s degree at UNC Greensboro will help them achieve their career ambitions.

Qualified applicants will have a strong undergraduate background in biology and science.

Degree Program Requirements

Required: 30 credit hours

Thesis Option

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Biology Electives (24 credits)
Select 24 credits from graduate-level biology courses *		24
Thesis (6 credits)
BIO 699	Thesis	6
Total Credit Hours		30

*

Students with the thesis option can take up to 8 credits at the graduate level in other departments. Requires the prior approval of the graduate student’s committee and the final approval of the Graduate Program Director and/or the Department Head.

Non-Thesis Option

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Biology Electives (27 credits)
Select 27 credits of electives from graduate-level biology courses *		27
Capstone Experience (3 credits)
BIO 698	Non-Thesis	3
Total Credit Hours		30

*

Students with the non-thesis option may potentially take up to 12 credits at the graduate level in other departments. Requires the prior approval of the graduate student’s committee and the final approval of the Graduate Program Director and/or the Department Head.

Biology Electives

Thesis students will select 24 credits of electives and non-thesis students will select 27 credits of electives from graduate-level biology courses. Students who elect the thesis option can take up to 8 credits at the graduate level in other departments, and students who elect the non-thesis option may potentially take up to 12 credits at the graduate level in other departments. Both require the prior approval of the graduate student’s committee and the final approval of the Graduate Program Director and/or the Department Head.

Capstone Experience

Thesis

Students writing a thesis as a capstone experience must have at least 15 credits (including 6 credits of BIO 699 Thesis) in 600-749 level courses.

Non-Thesis

Students taking the non-thesis option as a capstone experience must have at least 15 credits in 600-749 level courses and cannot enroll in BIO 695 Biological Research, BIO 699 Thesis, BIO 801 Thesis Extension, or BIO 803 Research Extension. Three credit hours of BIO 698 Non-Thesis is required for all M.S. non-thesis students to provide students time to complete the capstone. The student’s faculty advisor will be the instructor for BIO 698. The capstone experience will be designed by the student’s faculty mentor and the committee, and could include a comprehensive exam, a written report, or a scholarly literature review on a topic in the student’s biology-based career.

Prior to the end of the first semester of enrollment, each student is expected to identify a Master of Science Advisory Committee composed of an advisor and two other faculty members; the Graduate Program Director must approve the composition of the committee.