Master of Arts in Biological Sciences
Why choose an M.A. in biological sciences at Western Michigan University
The Master of Arts in biological sciences at Western Michigan University is a non-thesis coursework-based degree, distinct from our research-based Master of Science degree. Coursework covers diverse areas of biology, allowing you to enhance your breadth and depth of knowledge in biological concepts.
Career preparation
The M.A. program offers students options to prepare for various career goals such as:
- Continuing your studies in the biological sciences allowing you to enhance your experience for promotion in industry or teaching jobs or for admission to professional schools.
- Offering you the chance to complete your master's degree with no laboratory research experience, however it is possible for you to perform independent research with a faculty member should you desire some bench-top experience.
- Presenting the opportunity for more upper-level course experience focused in a particular area.
Admission requirements
The requirements for the M.A. in biological sciences are as follows:
- Completed applications, including letters of reference, are due at least two weeks before the last day of finals week in any academic years semester for admission in the following semester. Please email bios-gradadmissions@wmich.edu once you have submitted your application. Any application missing documents or transcripts before the start of the semester will be considered for the following semester.
- Completed University application, including fees
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended.
- 3.0 G.P.A. is required for admission
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume
- International applicants must provide: IELTS or TOEFL scores and translated transcripts. Visit the International Admissions website for further information.
- Applicants to the M.A. program are NOT required to take the GRE exam.
Read the Graduate Admission Information sheet for further information.
If you have questions, contact the department at (269) 387-5624 or email an advisor. Thank you for your interest in applying for M.A. graduate program!
Financial assistance
Information about additional assistantships and fellowships, special assistance for minority graduate students, tuition grants and research funds may be obtained from the Graduate College. Information about student loans and other federal, state and University need-based financial aid programs may be obtained from the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships office.
Course requirements
Master's students are required to take three of the following six graduate core courses:
- BIOS 6110 — Eukaryotic Cell Biology Credits: 3 hours
- BIOS 6120 — Prokaryotic Cell Biology Credits: 3 hours
- BIOS 6130 — Animal Physiology Credits: 3 hours
- BIOS 6140 — Plant Physiology Credits: 3 hours
- BIOS 6150 — Ecology Credits: 3 hours
- BIOS 6160 — Evolution Credits: 3 hours
Colloquium
Each student is required to take two hours of:
- BIOS 6050 — Biological Sciences Colloquium Credit: 1 hour
Electives
19 credit hours of elective courses are required. Elective courses are selected with the advice and approval of the graduate advisor. Electives are selected from biological sciences or approved cognate courses. Up to nine credit hours or coursework in related areas from the other departments can be included.
For more information please view the graduate catalog.
Questions
Prospective students who have questions about our programs or the application process should contact our graduate admissions advisor.
Current graduate students at WMU who have questions should contact Dr. Devin Bloom, graduate advisor.