About Master’s Program,
The Master of Science Program in the Department of Biological Sciences is a research-based Master’s degree. It is distinct from our course-based Master of Arts degree. Through in-depth research experience with a faculty research adviser, preparation of an independent thesis or publications and broad coursework, students gain experiences that prepare them for careers involving field and laboratory research in biological sciences.
Most M.S. students are funded through teaching assistantships, which cover tuition and an academic-year stipend.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
You have already identified and communicated with a WMU faculty member who agrees to support your graduate research in their group. This may be a commitment for your entire degree period or just for a first-semester rotation. Take a look at the list of faculty research adviser and their areas of research expertise and reach out to faculty directly who are working in areas that interest you.
You graduated with your B.S. degree in Biological Sciences or a closely related field, or intend to graduate prior to the start of your graduate work (i.e. you can apply in your last spring of your B.S. degree to begin the M.S. program the following summer or fall)
You have not already earned an M.S. degree
You earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 during your B.S. degree
You apply by the February 1 deadline at 11:59pm ET for admission. There is one application deadline per year. See requirements below.
Master’s Funding Coverage,
There are several opportunities for you to obtain financial assistance to cover the cost of attendance. Teaching assistantships carry a tuition waiver, and are available on a competitive basis for the fall and spring semesters. A limited number of summer session teaching assistantships are also available to outstanding students.
Information about additional assistantships and fellowships, special assistance for minority graduate students, tuition grant, and research funds may be obtained from Graduate College.
Information about student loans and other federal, state and University need-based financial aid programs may be obtained from the Student Financial Aid and Scholarship office.
You may also be eligible for a variety of support mechanisms through federal and state agencies that support scientific research, as well as private foundations. You are encouraged to talk with your faculty research adviser about the best options for your area of study. Additionally, check out the Internal and External Funding Sources for Students listed through WMU’s Office of Research and Innovation.
Application Requirement,
Completed application with personal statement addressing why you want to enroll in the Master of Science program and the faculty research adviser(s) with whom you intend to work
Three letters of recommendation
Official transcript from undergraduate institution(s). For WMU students only, you may include an unofficial transcript instead.
Resume
Application fee
GRE scores are not required for application
For international students, you must include IELTS (minimum score of 6.5) or TOEFL (minimum scores of 80 (paper) or 550 (internet) with your application
Decisions on admission are made about one month after applications are due. For questions about the admissions process, Biological Sciences Graduate Admissions.
Application Deadline,
Feb 01, 2025
Application Fee,
pay a nonrefundable application fee online by credit card—$50 for domestic applicants and $100 for international applicants.
