Doctoral Degree Programs
choose a programMaster's Degree
choose a programGraduate Certificate Programs
choose a programDowntown Campus Programs
choose a programIntegrated Programs
choose a programcontact us
The Graduate School is committed to advancing academic excellence in graduate and postdoctoral education and training. We have several departments that can assist you with questions regarding professional development activities, administrative processes, and graduate student success initiatives.
Office Hours: 8 A.M. to 5 P.M., Monday through Friday
Campus Location: MS 4.01.52
Phone:210-458-4331
Fax: 210-458-4332
Email: graduate.school@utsa.edu
Questions regarding admissions and recruiting.
Biology (M.S.)
Basic Degree Information/Description
The graduate program offers opportunities for advanced study and research leading to the Master of Science degree in Biology. A thesis option is offered to students who want an opportunity to develop expertise in research techniques and data analysis; a nonthesis option is offered for those who want the opportunity to earn the Master of Science degree through organized coursework. The thesis option is recommended for students who plan a career in research or contemplate pursuing a doctorate in one of the life sciences. The nonthesis option might be suitable for students interested in secondary school teaching in the life sciences. Graduate faculty research interests include biochemistry, cellular biology, development biology, ecology, genetics, microbiology, neurobiology, physiology, and plant sciences.
Degree Requirements:
- Degree candidates are required to complete a minimum of 36 semester credit hours approved by the student’s Graduate Advisor of Record. Applicants are expected to have completed an undergraduate major in one of the biological sciences, with undergraduate preparation comparable to the required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UTSA.
- Students whose undergraduate preparation is deficient in certain areas but who meet the minimum University standards for admission may be conditionally admitted and required to complete specific undergraduate or graduate courses as conditions of admissions. In such cases, students should anticipate that additional time will be required to complete the degree.
- Students who are denied admission to the M.S. program must reapply if interested in acceptance as a Special Graduate student or non-degree seeking student.
- For a complete list of degree requirements please see the Graduate Catalog.
Admission Prerequisites:
| Required Degree | Bachelor's degree with 18 credit hours in field of study or in another appropriate field of study. |
| Other Degree Requirements | GPA Requirement: 3.0. For more specific requirements, please visit the Online Graduate Catalog. |
Application Requirements:
| General University Requirements | Must meet university wide requirements. |
| Application | A completed a Graduate School application. |
| Transcripts | Official transcripts from all institutions attended. All international transcripts must be recorded in English or officially translated to English. |
| Resume or Curriculum Vitae | Not required. |
| Letters of Recommendation | Two letters of recommendation are required from academic or professional sources familiar with the applicant’s background, attesting to the student’s academic and personal attributes for success in the program and potential for contributing substantially to a field of study related to the degree. |
| Statement of Purpose | Provide a statement of future plans, including a reason why you wish to pursue an M.S. in Biology. |
| Test Scores | Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores from a recent (no more than five years old) administration of the examination. |
| Evaluation of Foreign Credentials |
All applicants including non-U.S. citizens (International), U.S. Citizens, and permanent residents who have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions are required to submit official transcripts along with an evaluation of the transcripts from Foreign Credentials Service of America.
|
| International Applicants | Must meet international graduate student admission requirements
|
| Other | None. |
Contact Information
Graduate Advisor of Record: Valerie Sponsel, Ph.D.
Email Address: Valerie.Sponsel@utsa.edu
Telephone: (210) 458-5929
Degree Website: https://www.utsa.edu/sciences/integrative-biology/ms-bio/
Degree Catalog Link: http://catalog.utsa.edu/graduate/sciences/biology/
Funding Opportunities
Qualified students are encouraged to apply for teaching assistantships and fellowships.
Course Scheduling and Offerings
This program is housed on UTSA’s Main campus.