Graduate Studies in the Department of Biology
University of Akron

Academic Program

The Department of Biology offers the degree of Master of Science in biology. The M.S. degree is obtained upon completion of required coursework and a research thesis. Each student, in conjunction with a graduate committee, plans coursework, seminars and research based upon the student's background and interests. A total of 24 credits of coursework, 12 credits of research/thesis and 4 credits of seminar are required for the degree.  A non-thesis option is available for individuals with a current teaching certificate or co-registration with the College of Education toward obtaining teaching certification.

Department of Biology Graduate Handbook 
(a complete description of the program and requirements)

Admission Requirements

An entering student must have an undergraduate degree with a major in biology or the equivalent training.

1. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 (4.00=A) overall and a 3.00 average in biology (minimum 32 semester hours or equivalent) is required for full admission.
2. Competence in chemistry and mathematics is expected.
3. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) advanced test in biology is required and a minimum score of 25^th percentile or higher is required.
4. In addition to the graduate application a letter of interest indicating the proposed area of specialization is required. 
5. Foreign students, in addition to the above requirements, must have a First Class Degree (if from a foreign institution), 220 or greater on the TOEFL for admission.  A score of 50 or greater on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) is required to qualify for a teaching assistantship.

Applications are available from: Graduate School, Polsky Bldg., Rm. 469, Akron, OH 44325-2101 phone: 330-972-7663.

Financial Assistance

Teaching Assistantships are available which include a stipend ($12,000/9months) and a tuition scholarship. Summer research fellowship and summer teaching assistantships are also available. Students applying for a teaching assistantship should submit an application and three letters of reference no later than May 1 for an assistantship starting Fall semester of the same year. Applications are available from: Department of Biology, Akron, OH 44325-3908 phone: 330-972-7155.

Low cost graduate student housing and health insurance are available through the university.

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