Biology, Masters

Biology offers two Master’s degrees, a research-focused Master’s degree (MSA) and a course-work based Master’s degree (MSB). The MSA program is designed for students who want to gain research experience but are not ready for or are not yet committed to the extended level of research required for a Ph.D. Biology takes relatively few thesis M.S. students into the program, but under special circumstances will do so. A key requirement is that a faculty member is interested and has a project in mind that fits the time scale of a Master’s degree (typically 2 years). Graduates of the Biology thesis Master’s program have gone on to enter Ph.D. programs either here or at other institutions, or have taken positions in government or in industry. Biology has also allowed existing MS students to transfer into the Ph.D. program if their advisory committee believes that doing so is in their best interests. The MSB program is designed for a certain set of circumstances where having a Master’s degree will benefit the student’s professional goals. These goals often include, but are not limited to, students looking to improve their GPA ahead of application to a health professions degree (Medical or Dental School). Students interested in the MSB degree are advised to contact the Biology DGS to discuss their career goal and whether the MSB program is appropriate prior to applying.

Admission Requirements

Offers to enter the MSA program are based on the applicant’s potential as a scientist and educator. Application review is based on (A) a Personal Statement that addresses specific questions related to the applicant’s motivation for obtaining a MSA research interests (see https://bio.as.uky.edu/GraduateAdmissions for more details), (B) minimum GPA of 2.75 in undergraduate work and prior coursework, (C) three letters of recommendation which address the applicant’s potential for success in the program, and (D) a current CV.

Offers to enter the MSB program are based on the applicant’s potential to succeed in the program coursework. Application review is based on (A) minimum GPA of 2.75 in undergraduate work and prior coursework, (B) a Personal Statement that addresses how the MSB program will help in achieving the future career goals, (C) two letters of recommendation which address the applicant’s potential for success in the program, and (D) a current CV or resume.

Degree Requirements

Thesis Masters (MSA)

30 credit hours are needed to complete the Thesis Masters, which includes:
3 BIO 770 seminars
12 credits must be 600-700 level
16 credits must be regular (non-research or residency) courses
16 credits must have a BIO prefix

Non-thesis Masters (MSB)

30 credit hours are needed to complete the Thesis Masters, which includes:
3 BIO 770 seminars
15 credits must be 600-700 level
20 credits must be regular (non-research or residency) courses
20 credits must have a BIO prefix

For more information, please see our website: https://bio.as.uky.edu/graduate-program