Biology, M.S.

Saint Louis University's Master of Science in Biology offers students the chance to gain experience in laboratory research, including experimental design, interpretation of data and scientific writing. 

Program Highlights

• SLU's Master of Science in Biology degree requires a formal research project and thesis and is excellent preparation for continued graduate studies at the doctoral level or for employment at environmental, industrial or research companies. It can also lay the groundwork for careers in academic, private or government sectors.
• Biology students at Saint Louis University have access to outstanding facilities on campus and at the University's Reis Biological Station. Collaborations with neighboring institutions such as Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Missouri–St. Louis, the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Saint Louis Zoo and the Danforth Plant Science Center further expand possibilities for biological research and learning.
• Students interested in the M.S. in biology may also consider SLU's M.A. in biology.

Curriculum Overview

The M.S. in biology requires at least 30 post-baccalaureate credits, six credits of which will be thesis research.

Careers

Past students in SLU's biology master's program have gone on to medical school or further study in doctoral programs and careers as research scientists, teachers, college faculty and in various capacities in pharmaceutical companies and government agencies.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should possess adequate undergraduate preparation in biology or a related discipline with a minimum 3.0 GPA in science and math courses. Research experience can bolster applications when the 3.0 GPA minimum is not met.

Suggested courses include biology (a minimum of 18 upper-division credits); chemistry (a minimum of eight upper-division credits, including two semesters of organic chemistry or one semester of organic chemistry and another of biochemistry); physics (two semesters); mathematics (such as a course in calculus). A formal minor is not permitted.

For students interested in ecology, evolution or systematics, additional coursework in some of the following areas is also recommended: genetics, general ecology, evolution, introductory statistics, general botany and a taxonomically oriented course. For students interested in cell or molecular biology, additional coursework in some of the following areas is recommended: genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, molecular biology, microbiology or immunology.

Application Requirements

• Application form and fee
• Three letters of recommendation
• Transcript(s)
• Résumé
• Goal statement
• Interview (desired)

Requirements for International Students 

All Saint Louis University admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students applying to SLU must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate English language proficiency
• Academic records must include an English translation. Unofficial copies may be accepted in some cases for initial admission review, however official copies must be received prior to enrollment. Course-by-course transcript evaluations are accepted. 

Students must submit financial documents to be issued an I-20 for their F-1 visa application. Proof of financial support must include:

• A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
• A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University

Assistantship Application Deadline

Students who want to be considered for an assistantship should submit their application by Dec. 15. Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered if assistantships are available.

Review Process

Faculty committee members examine each applicant's materials and make recommendations. Consideration is given to matching applicant interests with faculty research areas.

Applicants should outline their research goals in their professional goals statement. They should also identify and correspond with faculty members whose area of research matches their interests early in the application process.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships, Assistantships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award. 

Explore Scholarships and Financial Aid Options

1. Graduates will be able to critically analyze primary literature articles by evaluating the scientific contributions of peer-reviewed publications in biology.
2. Graduates will be able to effectively communicate scientific ideas.
3. Graduates will be able to demonstrate professional integrity.
4. Graduates will be able to use appropriate instrumentation and analytical methods to collect data.
5. Graduates will be able to draw statistically valid conclusions from quantitative data.

The Master of Science in Biology degree requires a minimum of 30 credits, including 24 credits of structured coursework and six credits of thesis research. Courses may be chosen from upper-level electives within SLU's Department of Biology or related departments; coursework may be tailored to the research interests in consultation with advisory committees of students.

The following requirements govern which courses may be counted toward a degree: 

• At least 20 credits of structured courses (does not include BIOL 5970 Research Topics (1-3 cr) or BIOL 5980 Graduate Independent Study in Biology (1-3 cr) courses).
• At least 18 credits (exclusive of thesis) must be 5000- and 6000- level courses.
• At least 12 credits (exclusive of thesis) of the total program must be from the biology department.
• No more than six credits of  BIOL 5970 Research Topics (1-3 cr) and/or BIOL 5980 Graduate Independent Study in Biology (1-3 cr).
• Six credits of thesis research BIOL 5990 Thesis Research (0-6 cr).

Students must be enrolled in a course (even if it is for zero credits) every fall and spring semester to maintain standing in the program; students on 11-month assistantships must also enroll in the summer.

Elective Courses

Electives can be selected from any 4000-level or higher courses in biology or related areas (subject to limits on 4000-level, 5970, and 5980 credit hours). Among the courses that can be taken as electives are:

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

General Schedule 

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A maximum of six hours of 4000-level courses can be counted toward the M.S.; please see detailed requirements and sample schedules in program notes.

Sample Schedule Cell/Molecular Biology Focus

Sample Schedule for Ecology/Evolutionary Biology Focus

For additional information about graduate study in biology, contact biology@slu.edu or call 314-977-3900 and ask for the graduate program coordinator.