College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Biological Sciences
www.kent.edu/biology/graduate

About This Program

The Biology M.A. program is designed for students who want to deepen their knowledge in biology and prepare for advanced studies or careers in research, education or industry. With a focus on research and advanced coursework, you'll gain the skills needed to tackle complex biological questions and make a meaningful impact in the field. Read more...

Contact Information

• Program Coordinator: Oscar Rocha | bscigrad@kent.edu | 330-672-2297
• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s) - copies of official transcripts can be used for initial application
• Goal statement
• One letter of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 587 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
  • Minimum 82 MELAB score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 Duolingo English test score

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education’s admission website.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Students must enroll for 1-3 credit hours of BSCI 60196 each semester.

²

Students must enroll for 1 credit hour of BSCI 60191 each semester.

Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration

¹

Students may not use BSCI 50104 to fulfill degree requirements.

Biological Data Analytics Concentration Requirements

Cellular and Molecular Biology Concentration Requirements

Environmental Biology Concentration Requirements

Medical Biology Concentration Requirements

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 23 credit hours of biological science (BSCI) courses toward the degree with one exception: Teachers holding or pursuing K-12 licensure who do not declare a concentration may complete a minimum 18 credit hours of biological sciences (BSCI) courses toward the degree.

The Department of Biological Sciences frequently offers special topics classes in specialized areas of interest, which can count towards the degree when approved to be part of a student's program of study. Coursework in other fields within the natural and physical sciences may be used to meet credit hour requirements when approved to be part of the student's program of study.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Understand advanced biological concepts beyond the scope of the typical undergraduate degree and to increase the depth of their knowledge through coursework and hands-on experiences.
2. Apply scientific principles and appreciate work outside of their particular field.
3. Effectively communicate about science with colleagues as well as those outside of the student's area of expertise.
4. Develop the necessary laboratory skills that will allow testing of hypotheses.

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Biology is for students wishing to gain additional knowledge in any area of the biological sciences. This is a non-thesis master's degree designed for secondary school science teachers, individuals looking for additional background or preparation for professional school (e.g. medicine, dentistry or Ph.D. programs) and those seeking employment in life science industries in a non-research capacity.

The Biology major includes the following optional concentrations:

• The Biological Data Analytics concentration combines required courses in data analytics and elective options in biology to provide students with the understanding of the type of data collected while conducting biological research and how to analyze it.
• The Cellular and Molecular Biology concentration provides a heavy focus on cell-to-cell interactions and signaling pathways to give students a deep understanding of the cellular and molecular processes that occur within cells and physiological systems.
• The Environmental Biology concentration provides students with a balance between better understanding the relationships between organisms and the environment and how this balance can be sustained through environmental management and conservation.
• The Medical Biology concentration provides students with a deep understanding of physiological systems and the mechanisms that underlie various disorders and disease pathologies.

Students who declare the Biology major with no concentration will select their area of specialization in consultation with an academic faculty advisor.