Master of Science in Biology
Format: In person on the Statesboro Campus or the Armstrong Campus in Savannah
Thesis Credit Hours: 30
Non-Thesis Credit Hours: 36
Entry Terms: Fall and Spring
No matter what career in biology you aspire to, our masters degree program has the path to suit your needs.
Georgia Southern University’s Department of Biology is the largest center for biology research and education in southern Georgia. The Master of Science in Biology degree provides access to cutting-edge, hands-on training that will prepare you for doctoral work or a successful career in the biological sciences.
Master of Science in Biology
Thesis Option
The thesis option is the traditional, and preferred, option for earning the MS in biology degree in our department. This option is highly recommended for any student planning to continue work toward a higher degree (e.g., PhD) or contemplating a career that involves any aspect of research (i.e., collecting, analyzing, or interpreting biological data; e.g., government agencies, lab technicians, environmental consulting, etc.)
Thesis Curriculum at a Glance
Master of Science in Biology
Non-thesis Option
The non-thesis option is designed for individuals who wish to expand their biological knowledge via coursework. This option is appropriate for individuals already in a professional setting, such as teachers or people in industry. (Note: Teaching assistantships are awarded to students in the thesis track. If all slots cannot be filled by thesis degree seeking students first, then a non-thesis student could receive a teaching assistantship.)
Non-Thesis Curriculum at a Glance
Welcome to the graduate program in Biology at Georgia Southern University
Our Master of Science degree is designed to provide cutting-edge training in biology that will prepare students for challenging professional careers or entry into competitive PhD programs. Over 92% of our alumni are working in the biological, environmental, or health sciences; one out of every three graduates goes on to receive a terminal degree (e.g., PhD, MD). Our graduates work in 32 states and 10 countries.
Our masters program offers a number of unique advantages for students considering graduate training in biology:
- The Department of Biology at Georgia Southern is a “full-service” department. The broad expertise of our faculty provides the opportunity to train in areas ranging from molecular biology to ecosystems. This diversity of expertise means that graduate students can work creatively across subdiscipline boundaries.
- You will not get lost in the crowd. Our master’s program comprises approximately 50 graduate students and 39 faculty. You can expect close interaction with peers and mentors. Graduate students in our program get a level of personal attention that is rare or nonexistent in larger graduate programs.
- Georgia Southern’s location provides easy access to the amazing biodiversity of the southeastern United States. We are a 1-hour drive from coastal beaches and estuaries. Major rivers and bottomland forests are minutes from campus. The southern Appalachians are only 3 hours away.
- For research opportunities based regionally, nationally, and internationally, students in our program are able to take advantage of our department’s many affiliations. In the recent past our graduate students have worked closely with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army (Fort Stewart), Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, Sapelo Island Estuarine Research Reserve, National Park Service, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, The Nature Conservancy, and many more agencies abroad.
If this sounds like a graduate experience that you want to be a part of, then explore this webpage in more detail. We are also happy to hear from you or arrange a visit.
Sincerely,
John Carroll
jcarroll@georgiasouthern.edu
Do You Have Questions? Contact Us!
Department of Biology
Statesboro
Georgia Southern University
4324 Old Register Road
Statesboro, GA 30460
Phone: 912-478-5487
Armstrong
Science Center 1505
11935 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31419
Phone: 912-344-3330
Liberty
175 West Memorial Drive
Hinesville, GA 31313
Phone: 912-877-1906
Last updated: 2/20/2023
