The Department of Biology offers two master's degree programs, Plan A (research thesis program) and Plan B (non-thesis program). The academic requirements for admission are the same for both programs. To compete successfully for admission, applicants should have:

Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00
combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 1100 or greater, with a minimum of 400 in each test, an advanced test is recommended
course work in physical sciences (3 credits), mathematics (6 credits), biology (18 credits), and chemistry (6 credits), or equivalent
for international students, a minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper exam) or 250 (computer exam)
Before admission into the Plan A (thesis) master's degree program, a full-time faculty member of the Department of Biology, must be identified and agree to serve as Faculty Advisor. Potential advisors can be identified by reviewing faculty research interests or the Peterson Guide. If a mutually satisfactory match of student and faculty interests and field of study cannot be obtained, admission into the research thesis program (Plan A) cannot be granted. Alternatively, the student may apply to the Plan B (non-thesis) master's program, or undertake advanced studies as a Graduate Special student. Students accepted into the Plan B master's program will be advised by the Special Programs Committee during the first semester of study until an Advisory Committee is established.

TOEFL: 550 (paper) or 79 (internet)
IELTS: 6.5 (academic version)