Overview
The Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences at LSUS is a program of study covering a variety of biological specializations. The objectives of this program are to (a) prepare students for entrance into medical or other health professional schools, (b) provide initial graduate training for those students who will eventually enroll in doctoral programs at other universities, and/or to (c) prepare graduate-level trained individuals for employment as research professionals at regional and state bioscience-related industries and agencies. The program of study consists of a minimum 30 semester hours with thesis and non-thesis options.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to this program should have (1) A bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology or a related discipline; (2) A minimum overall GPA of 3.0, or a GPA of 3.0 earned in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework, or a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their master’s degree or attempted graduate coursework.
Applicants who meet these criteria will be automatically accepted into the non-thesis option. Applicants interested in the thesis option must meet additional criteria (see below).
Applicants with a GPA less than 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission. Students admitted under conditional admission must complete the first nine hours of graduate coursework with a 3.0 GPA and no grades below a “C”.
Thesis option requirements
Applicants wishing to pursue a thesis project will complete a written questionnaire or record a video interview that will document the applicant’s research interests, experience, and professional goals. This questionnaire will be completed prior to entry into the program by a deadline set by the program. Entry into the thesis option will require 1) meeting minimum MSBS admissions requirements and acceptance into the program; and 2) identifying a faculty member who can serve as a thesis advisor. Since it is expected that thesis students will be supported by a graduate assistantship, the availability of assistantships may impact the ability to enter the thesis option.
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