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

About This Program

Explore the forces that shape life on Earth as you investigate ecosystems, biodiversity and evolutionary change through hands-on research and field-based discovery. This flexible, research-driven program lets you tailor your studies across areas like population ecology, animal behavior and environmental systems while building strong analytical and scientific skills. Graduating with real-world experience and interdisciplinary training, you will be prepared for impactful careers in research, conservation and environmental consulting. Read more...

Contact Information

• Oscar Rocha | bscigrad@kent.edu |
  330-672-2297

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor

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
• Undergraduate coursework roughly equivalent to the Biology minor
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s) - copies of official transcripts can be submitted for initial review of application
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Personal statement that clearly explains why the applicant wishes to pursue an advanced degree and describes research experience and interest; statement must include a list of potential faculty mentors
• Three letters of recommendation that comment on chance of success in an advanced degree program, with minimum one from someone who can comment on research aptitude
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadline: November 15

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Students are required to enroll in BSCI 60184 their first semester (or the following fall semester for those starting their studies in the spring semester).

²

After completing 6 credit hours of BSCI 60199, students must register continually for BSCI 60299 until the degree is earned. Credit hours for BSCI 60299 do not count toward the degree. Students begin research by successfully preparing, presenting and defending a formal prospectus for their research project to their committee. For the thesis and final defense, it is expected that students will present the results of their study in a defense open to students and faculty. The thesis must be presented and defended before the guidance committee.

Graduation Requirements

• Students are required to present at least one departmental seminar about their work.
• Students must complete a minimum 14 credit hours of graduate courses beyond BSCI 60198 toward their degree.
• Students will present the results of their study in a defense open to students and faculty. The thesis must be presented and defended before the Guidance Committee with not more than one negative vote in order to be recommended to the Department of Biological Sciences and the College of Sciences and Humanities for degree conferral.

• No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
• Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Explain advanced biological concepts specific to ecology and evolutionary biology beyond the undergraduate level.
2. Design experiments to test scientific hypotheses using appropriate methods and research techniques.
3. Conduct original research studies to investigate specific biological questions and present findings.
4. Communicate scientific findings effectively to disciplinary and interdisciplinary audiences.

Full Description

The Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology provides opportunities to study in areas such as animal behavior, entomology, limnology, microbial ecology, ornithology, systems ecology, systematic and evolutionary biology, environmental physiology, vertebrate ecology and population and community ecology. Although courses of study are tailored to students’ interests and needs, the program for all students normally includes training in population, community, ecosystems and evolutionary ecology and statistical theory.

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of ecology, students are encouraged to take courses in geology, mathematics, chemistry and other disciplines.