Advisor: Christine Byrd-Jacobs,
3161 Wood Hall

The Master of Science in Biological Sciences enhances students’ ability to plan, conduct, analyze, and report original research. Course work increases students’ scientific preparation and supports their research. Through the advice of the students’ major advisor, efforts are made to choose courses to meet individual needs and interests. The degree may serve as preparation for continued graduate or professional study or for positions in the private or public sector. Thesis and non-thesis options are offered; both require an original research project, although the final document is in different formats.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into the master’s program, both departmental and University requirements must be met. Application materials must be obtained from both the Department of Biological Sciences at www.wmich.edu/biology/academics/graduate/admissions-requirements or (269) 387-5600 and the Office of Admissions at www.wmich.edu/apply/graduate/  or (269) 387-2000 for domestic students or Office of International Services and Student Affairs at international.wmich.edu/content/view/27/52/ or (269) 387-5865 for international students.

To be considered, an application must contain:

1. Completed University and Departmental application forms;
2. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended, indicating that the applicant has
   1. earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with an overall grade point average of at least 3.0, and
   2. taken appropriate courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics;
3. Official scores for the verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections of the Graduate Record Exam (these must be submitted to the Office of Admissions);
4. Three letters of recommendation; and
5. A cover letter highlighting the student’s most important accomplishments to date and indicating how graduate work at Western Michigan University will further the applicant’s career goals.
6. Although not required for admission, applicants are encouraged to contact individual faculty to discuss their research interests. Students with academic deficiencies may be provisionally admitted and required to address their deficiencies during the first year in the graduate program.