Master of Science in Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences offers Doctoral and Master of Science degree programs covering a wide breadth of Biology that include Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB that includes neuroscience and developmental biology); Ecology, Evolution and Behavior (EEB); and Microbiology. Our nationally and internationally recognized faculty train students in a wide range of research areas within each of these sub-disciplines, and provide a host of opportunities for incoming graduate students for specialization in their area of interest. Student training is focused on research design, critical analysis of data, and development of effective written and oral communication skills. Both the thesis M.S. and the Ph.D. are research degrees and thus our students are expected to publish significant original contributions to the field. Interdisciplinary programs with other departments within the university are also available. We also offer a non-thesis M.S. degree that is coursework intensive. We welcome interdisciplinary students from related areas such as chemistrybiochemistry, psychology, medical sciences, math and freshwater science. Our students receive rigorous training in both research and teaching that prepares them for successful careers in academia, industry, or government.

Undergraduate coursework equivalent to the Biological Sciences major at UWM, including coursework in the following areas of plant or animal science: cellular and molecular biology or genetics; organismal biology; ecology. Additional coursework in chemistry through organic or biochemistry; mathematical preparation including at least one course in calculus, statistics, or biometry; and a year of physics are strongly encouraged. Submission of official scores: Thesis Track: Optional submission of official scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Non-Thesis Track: Optional submission of official scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Dental Admission Test (DAT), Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), or Praxis test. Submitted test scores may be used as additional evidence of academic ability. At least two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant\u2019s scholarship. Thesis Track: Submission of a resume/CV. International students must meet the minimum department requirements for English proficiency: Thesis Track: Completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree within the last two years from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction with a minimum of two years attendance; or A minimum required TOEFL score of 79 overall with a minimum required score of 23 on the Speaking portion; or A minimum required IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum required score of 7.0 on the Speaking portion; or A minimum required CAE score of C1 overall with a minimum required score of 185 on the Speaking portion. Non-Thesis Track: Completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree within the last two years from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction with a minimum of two years attendance; or A minimum required TOEFL score of 79 overall with a minimum recommended sub-score of 18 in each skill; or A minimum required IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum recommended sub-score of 6.0 on each skill; or A minimum required CAE score of C1 overall with a minimum recommended sub-score of 170 on any given language skill test. A 3.0 (4.0 basis) average or better is required in all work taken as a graduate student. TOEFL - 550 PBT