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Biology, M.A.

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø's Master of Arts in Biology is designed to prepare graduates for further training or for careers in academic, private or government sectors.

Program Highlights

  • The SLU program emphasizes coursework and does not require a thesis.
  • Students applying generally desire to broaden their knowledge or become more competitive in seeking employment or gaining admission into a health science program (medical school, dentistry school, etc.).
  • In addition to the M.A. in Biology, SLU also offers anÌýM.S. in BiologyÌýthat offers experience in laboratory research, including experimental design, interpretation of data and scientific writing. For those who want to continue their studies after completing the M.A.,ÌýÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø's Department of Biology also offers a Ph.D. in Biology.Ìý
  • Biology students at ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø have access to excellent facilities on campus and at the University'sÌýReis Biological Station. Collaborations with neighboring institutions such as Washington University in St. Louis, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Zoo and Danforth Plant Science Center further expand possibilities for research and learning.

Curriculum Overview

The M.A. in Biology requires at least 30 post-baccalaureate credits. Coursework may be chosen from a wide variety of fields, including cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, geographic information systems, ecology, evolution and botany.

Careers

Past students have gone on to further study in medical or law school, or to careers as research scientists, teachers and in various capacities in pharmaceutical companies and government agencies.

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø 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 the other of biochemistry); physics (two semesters); mathematics (through a course in calculus). A formal minor is not permitted.

Application Requirements

  • Application form and fee
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcript(s)
  • ¸éé²õ³Ü³¾Ã©
  • Goal statement
  • Interview (desired)

Requirements for International Students

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

  • ¶Ù±ð³¾´Ç²Ô²õ³Ù°ù²¹³Ù±ðÌýEnglish Language Proficiency
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
    • Courses taken and/or lectures attended
    • Practical laboratory work
    • The maximum and minimum grades attainable
    • The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
    • Any honors or degrees received.
  • WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
  • In order to be issued an I-20 for your F-1 visa application, students must submit financial documents. Proof of financial support that must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø
    • 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

Review Process

Faculty committee members examine each applicant's materials and make recommendations.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Credit
Graduate Tuition $1,370

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For more information about ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø scholarships and financial aid, please visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

  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.

SLU's M.A. in biology degree requires a minimum ofÌý30Ìýcredits of post-baccalaureate coursework but does not require a thesis. The expectation of the biology department is that students will complete the degree in two years, though up to five years are allowed by the Office of Graduate Education. The following requirements govern which courses may be counted toward a degree:

  • At leastÌý20Ìýcredits of structured courses (does not include reading courses or problems courses).
  • At leastÌý24 credits must be 5000- and 6000- level courses.
  • At leastÌý12Ìýcredits of the total program must be from the biology department andÌý15Ìýcredits must be directly related to biology.
  • At leastÌý24Ìýcredits must be completed in residence (i.e. no more than six transfer credits).
  • No more than six credits ofÌýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5970 Research Topics (1-3 cr)Ìý²¹²Ô»å/´Ç°ùÌýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5980 Graduate Reading Course (1-3 cr).
  • Graduate seminar course (µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5820 Graduate Seminar in Cell and Molecular Regulation (1-2 cr)Ìý´Ç°ùÌýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5840 Graduate Seminar in Ecology, Evolution and Systematics (2 cr)) for two semesters
  • Departmental seminar (µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5810 Department Seminar (1 cr)), must be taken each semester enrolled).
  • 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.
Seminars
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5810Department Seminar (every semester)1
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5820Graduate Seminar in Cell and Molecular Regulation1-2
´Ç°ùÌýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5840 Graduate Seminar in Ecology, Evolution and Systematics
Elective Courses27
Students elective credit may vary depending on how many semesters of seminar they take and how long they are in the program. Total credits between electives and seminars must total at least 30.
Total Credits30

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:

µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4090Plant Ecology3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4100Natural History of Vertebrates4
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4120Field Botany5
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4130Field Mammalogy5
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4140Field Ornithology5
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4160Microbial Ecology and Molecular Evolution4
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4200Aquatic Ecology4
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4260Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles4
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4280Biology of Fishes4
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4320Cave Biology4
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4330Spring Flora of the Ozarks4
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4360Animal Behavior3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4370Animal Behavior Lab1
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4410Comparative Animal Physiology3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4440Vertebrate Histology: Structure and Function of Tissues4
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4480Conservation Biology3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4510Behavioral Endocrinology3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4540Human Systemic Physiology3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4640General Microbiology3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4650General Microbiology Laboratory2
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4720Cancer Biology3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4910Internship in Conservation3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4912Internship in Plant Science3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5000Problems in Vertebrate Morphology2-3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5030Genomics3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5050Molecular Techniques Lab2
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5070Advanced Biological Chemistry3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5080Advanced Cell Biology3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5090Biometry4
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5190Geographic Information Systems in Biology3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5350Current Topics in Cell Biology2
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5400Problems in Genetics1-4
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5480Conservation Biology3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5550Advanced Ecology3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5560Advanced Evolution3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5610Principles of Develop Biology3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5630Concepts of Immunobiology3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5640Advanced Microbiology3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5670Advanced Population Biology3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5700Advanced Molecular Biology3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5780Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5820Graduate Seminar in Cell and Molecular Regulation1-2
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5840Graduate Seminar in Ecology, Evolution and Systematics2
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý6150Neural Basis of Behavior3

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 enrollmentÌýunless otherwise noted. Ìý

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 ScheduleÌý

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
4000/5000 level electives 1 6
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5810 Department Seminar 0
ÌýCredits6
Spring
4000/5000 level electives 6
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5810 Department Seminar 0
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5820
or µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5840
Graduate Seminar in Cell and Molecular Regulation
or Graduate Seminar in Ecology, Evolution and Systematics
2
ÌýCredits8
Summer
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5980 Graduate Independent Study in Biology (Optional) 1
ÌýCredits1
Year Two
Fall
4000/5000 level electives 6
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5810 Department Seminar 0
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5820
or µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5840
Graduate Seminar in Cell and Molecular Regulation
or Graduate Seminar in Ecology, Evolution and Systematics
2
ÌýCredits8
Spring
4000/5000 level electives 7
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5810 Department Seminar 0
ÌýCredits7
ÌýTotal Credits30
1

A maximum of 10 hours of 4000-level courses can counted toward the MA; please see program notes for detailed requirements and a sample schedule of electives.

Sample Schedule

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5030 Genomics 3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5700 Advanced Molecular Biology 3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5810 Department Seminar 0
ÌýCredits6
Spring
BIOLÌý4250 Neurobiology of Disease 3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5070 Advanced Biological Chemistry 3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5820 Graduate Seminar in Cell and Molecular Regulation 2
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5810 Department Seminar 0
ÌýCredits8
Summer
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5980 Graduate Independent Study in Biology 1
ÌýCredits1
Year Two
Fall
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5190 Geographic Information Systems in Biology 3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5640 Advanced Microbiology 3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5840 Graduate Seminar in Ecology, Evolution and Systematics 2
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5810 Department Seminar 0
ÌýCredits8
Spring
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5630 Concepts of Immunobiology 3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5090 Biometry 4
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý5810 Department Seminar 0
ÌýCredits7
ÌýTotal Credits30

For additional information about our program, please contact:

Robert Wood, Ph.D.
314-977-3718
robert.wood@slu.edu