Master of Science in Biological Sciences

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Why Choose the Biological Sciences Program?

Wright State University’s Department of Biological Sciences is one of the largest departments in the College of Science and Math. Faculty and research scientists within the department have broad ranging research interests. This breadth of faculty expertise has increased opportunities for cross-disciplinary training, research collaborations, and broadened the curricula available to students.

The Department is housed in both the Biological Sciences Buildings and throughout Diggs Laboratory. These buildings house dedicated classrooms and laboratories for instruction, customized research facilities for faculty and their students, and several meeting and student lounge areas. The department also maintains a greenhouse, aquarium room, and a forested 75 hectare biology preserve that can be used for instruction and research.

The Department’s research facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories focused on physiology, ecology, evolution, organismal biology and cell and molecular biology. These facilities provide students with training and experience in data acquisition, modern analytical techniques, sophisticated data processing and computer modeling. The department also stresses the development of written and oral communication skills and offers a variety of graduate courses to ensure interdisciplinary training in the biological sciences.

Careers

Our graduates are employed by

  • Abbott Laboratories
  • Advanced Testing Laboratory
  • Aerotek
  • AFRL/ WPAFB
  • American Health Associates
  • Battelle Memorial Institute   
  • Charles River Laboratories
  • Community Tissue Services/ Community Blood Center
  • Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens  
  • Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC)
  • Medpace
  • MedVet
  • MillerCoors
  • Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
  • Ohio Department of Natural Resources        
  • Pfizer
  • Proctor & Gamble
  • Shaw Environmental
  • SpringCreek Fertility
  • UES Inc.
  • United Allergy Services

Our graduates work as

  • Biologists/Cell biologists
  • Cardiopulmonary technician
  • Clinical allergy specialist
  • Clinical research associate
  • Conservation worker
  • Data scientist
  • Ecology lab technician
  • Embryologist/andrologist
  • Formulation technician
  • Genetic counselor
  • Health services manager
  • Laboratory manager
  • Microbiology technician
  • Pharmaceutical/medical product sales representative
  • Researchers/research assistants
  • Toxicologist

Academics and Curriculum

View the Master of Science in Biological Sciences program information and degree requirements in the Academic Catalog.

We have two pathways in our program, a thesis track or the non-thesis track.

Thesis Track

Non-Thesis Track

Involves original research

Focuses on coursework

Culminates in a thesis

Requires a capstone project

Emphasis on research skills

Emphasis on practical applications

Stepping stone towards PhD or research –oriented careers

Suitable for career-oriented individuals

Ultimately, the track that is the best choice for you depends on your individual goals, interests, and time constraints.

Admission

  • Applications should be submitted online through the Graduate School
  • International applicants also should contact the University Center for International Education to review international student admission requirements, international applications and additional language, VISA and financial requirements.
  • All applicants are required to submit
    • Official copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts,
    • Three letters of recommendation from referee able to evaluate the applicants potential for success in graduate school, and
    • A personal statement* of goals for graduate education.
  • International applicants are required to submit official scores from either
    • the Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 
    • the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), score of 6.5 or equivalent
  • Admissions preference is given to students with a grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
  • Recommended preparation is a Bachelor's degree in biological or biomedical sciences including course work in organic chemistry, physics and calculus.

*The personal statement should include:

  • Specific reasons for applying to the Masters of Science Program in Biological Sciences at Wright State University,
  • A description of goals for graduate education, i.e. how do you hope an MSc in Biological Sciences from Wright State will further your career, and
  • A list of potential faculty advisors of interest to the applicant.
    • Applicants are encouraged to review the research programs of Biological Sciences faculty and
    • to directly contact faculty of interest to discuss their research and to determine if they currently are accepting students into their labs.

Applications to the MSc Program in Biological Sciences are evaluated as they are received.  Applicants may apply to start in the fall semester (August start) or spring semester (January start).  Applicants admitted for the fall semester also may request a summer (June) start date.

For Application Materials:
Wright State Graduate School
E344 Student Union
937-775-2976 / (800) 452-4723
Fax: 937-775-2453

Faculty

View our departmental faculty directory.

Departmental Faculty also participate in:

Contact Information

For information on the Biology Master of Science Degree Program please contact:

Megan Rùa, Ph.D.
Graduate Coordinator                       
Dept. of Biological Sciences            
Wright State University                   
Dayton, OH 45435