Biology Masters Programs

The graduate program in Biology offers courses of study leading to either a Master of Science or a Master of Arts degree.  Through coursework and research experiences, the faculty mentor M.A. and M.S. students through the scientific research process, emphasizing: 

1. the importance of critical thinking and writing skills;
2. the ability to develop sound, testable hypotheses; and
3. the ability to communicate scientific ideas effectively.

The M.S. degree is distinguished by a guided, in-depth research experience that includes the writing and presentation of a formal research proposal; the design, execution, and analysis of a research project; and the writing of a formal thesis. The graduate program in Biology prepares students for teaching careers, professional school, or doctoral studies.

Courses of study:
Degree requirements for the M.A. and M.S. program

Graduate student support :
Graduate student support packages include full tuition and fee remission for qualified applicants, and most students receive stipends for their work as graduate teaching assistants in departmental laboratory courses.

Graduate Program Coordinator:
Dr. Chris Sheil (csheil@jcu.edu)

Admission Requirements

• The equivalent of a Bachelor of Science with a major in biology as offered at John Carroll University. Completion of other related majors (environmental science, cell and molecular biology, etc.) will be considered on a case by case basis.
• A completed application form, official undergraduate transcripts, and at least two letters of academic evaluation from former professors.
• Students may be granted conditional or unconditional acceptance to the program.  The minimum requirements for unconditional acceptance are a 3.0 GPA in Biology courses and a 3.0 overall GPA. In some cases, conditional acceptance may be granted to students with a 2.5 GPA in their Biology courses and for their overall GPA. Students granted conditional acceptance must obtain a 3.0 GPA in their first two JCU biology courses (6 credits minimum).
• Students seeking to enter the M.S. program in Biology are strongly encouraged to contact professors in the department to determine if those professors are accepting graduate students.  Contact information and the research interests of Biology faculty can be found on the department website.

Apply for Admission

Apply for Graduate Assistantship

Meet our Graduate Assistants!