Master of Science, Biology – Non-Thesis
Do more with your degree
Master of Science Biology – Non-Thesis
The Master of Science Non-thesis option is designed to provide additional biological training through coursework in addition to a thorough literature review of research on a contemporary biological topic. This option is appropriate for students pursuing a career in research-driven biological fields or for continued graduate study at the doctoral level. This program requires enrollment in the department’s Research Design and Analysis and Scientific Writing Courses and passing the department’s English Proficiency Examination. Otherwise, students may tailor their courses toward particular professional concentrations (ecology, microbial and cellular biology, zoology).
So many possibilities
- Qualify for more advanced positions in applied biology
- Prepare for doctoral level education
- Teach at the high school (pending certification) or college levels
Subject areas
- Ecology and Biodiversity
This subject area is appropriate for students seeking a specialized program of study in ecology and organismal biology.
Careers
Ecologist
Conservationist
Wildlife Manager
Game Warden
- Microbial and Cellular Biology
This subject area is appropriate for students seeking a specialized program of study in microbiology and/or cellular biology.
- Zoology
This subject area is appropriate for students seeking a specialized program of study in zoology, emphasizing laboratory work that includes courses in physiology and organic chemistry.
Careers
Zookeeper
Animal husbandry specialist
Animal Physiologist
RESOURCES
Applying for this program
- More information on applying
Students who plan to do graduate work in biology should have an adequate background of undergraduate courses suitable to the area of biology in which they are interested. If such a background is lacking or incomplete, the student may be asked to make up these deficiencies.
Prospective students who are interested in applying to the Master of Science in Biology (non-thesis) are required to submit an ESU Graduate School application. Within the application, students will complete the Biology Application which asks for a personal background statement detailing goals and experience in biology.
Applicants will also need to provide the names and emails of three recommenders. Once the application is submitted with payment, the Graduate School will email the applicant’s recommenders on their behalf, requesting a recommendation. For the M.S. Non-thesis option, applicant can be admitted if a Biology faculty member agrees to advise the applicant’s literature review over a current topic in biology.
The department's Graduate Committee will make an admission decision based upon the application materials. The applicant can be accepted unconditionally, with condition, on a probationary basis, or the applicant can be denied. International students must apply for graduate studies through the Office of International Education.
For additional details see our Guidelines for Graduate Study.pdf in Biology.
If you have further questions, contact the Biology Graduate Program Coordinator or the Department of Biological Sciences at 620-341-5311.
CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED
36 Credit Hours (Non-Thesis option)
- Required application materials
Upon filling out the application, one has the choice to choose a concentration to supplement their Master's Degree. If one does not desire to choose a concentration, then leave that section blank on the application.
Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
Departmental application
Three reference forms
Copy of government-issued ID
Submitting Application Materials
The following items must be provided/completed at the time of application submission through the Application Portal:
*Unofficial bachelor's degree transcript
*Copy of government-issued ID
*Departmental application located within Graduate School application
*Three references or the names and emails of three recommenders
Official transcripts
Students must submit official bachelor’s degree transcripts containing at least 60 credit hours of coursework and final grades. Any additional transcripts from college credit accumulated after the bachelor’s degree MUST be submitted if you will be using these credits for transfer credit or for last 60 GPA. Transcripts are considered official when they arrive in the Graduate Office in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution or are received through a secure electronic transcript service to gradinfo@emporia.edu.
If the transcripts need to be mailed, send to:
Emporia State University
Graduate School
Campus Box 4003
Emporia State University
1 Kellogg Circle
Emporia, KS 66801-5415
Take action
Contact the Program
Phone + Email
Address + Location
Building
Science Hall 174
Mailing Address
1 Kellogg Circle
Box 4050
Emporia, KS 66801