College of Sciences and Humanities
Department of Biological Sciences
www.kent.edu/biology/graduate

About This Program

Build a deeper, more versatile understanding of the life sciences while tailoring your studies across pathways such as medical biology, biological data analytics, cellular and molecular biology or a self-designed option. This flexible, coursework-focused program strengthens your scientific expertise and analytical skills, preparing you for careers in education, industry or further graduate study. Read more...

Contact Information

• Sangeet Lamichhaney | bscigrad@kent.edu | 330-672-2764

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s) - copies of official transcripts can be used for initial application
• Goal statement
• One letter of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration

Biological Data Analytics Concentration Requirements

Cellular and Molecular Biology Concentration Requirements

Environmental Biology Concentration Requirements

Medical Biology Concentration Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Students must complete a minimum of 23 credit hours of biological science (BSCI) courses toward the degree with one exception: Teachers holding or pursuing K-12 licensure who do not declare a concentration may complete a minimum 18 credit hours of biological sciences (BSCI) courses toward the degree.
• The Department of Biological Sciences frequently offers special topics classes in specialized areas of interest, which can count towards the degree when approved to be part of a student's program of study. Coursework in other fields within the natural and physical sciences may be used to meet credit hour requirements when approved to be part of the student's program of study.

• No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
• Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Explain advanced biological concepts that extend beyond the undergraduate level.
2. Design studies to test scientific hypotheses using appropriate biological research methods.
3. Communicate scientific ideas clearly to both biology and non-biology audiences.

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Biology is for students wishing to gain additional knowledge in any area of the biological sciences. This is a non-thesis master's degree designed for secondary school science teachers, individuals looking for additional background or preparation for professional school (e.g. medicine, dentistry or Ph.D. programs) and those seeking employment in life science industries in a non-research capacity.

The Biology major includes the following optional concentrations:

• The Biological Data Analytics concentration combines required courses in data analytics and elective options in biology to provide students with the understanding of the type of data collected while conducting biological research and how to analyze it.
• The Cellular and Molecular Biology concentration provides a heavy focus on cell-to-cell interactions and signaling pathways to give students a deep understanding of the cellular and molecular processes that occur within cells and physiological systems.
• The Environmental Biology concentration provides students with a balance between better understanding the relationships between organisms and the environment and how this balance can be sustained through environmental management and conservation.
• The Medical Biology concentration provides students with a deep understanding of physiological systems and the mechanisms that underlie various disorders and disease pathologies.

Students who declare the Biology major with no concentration will select their area of specialization in consultation with an academic faculty advisor.