M.S. in Biology

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

1. Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum of 60% or its equivalent in their respective grading systems. GSU recognizes a diverse range of international educational qualifications.

2. English Language Proficiency: 

   • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score below 6.
   • DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 95.
   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 53.
   • TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 80 with no Bands Less Than 20.

Governors State University (GSU) offers various scholarships to help international students pursue their higher education goals in the United States. These scholarships are aimed at recognizing academic excellence, promoting diversity, and providing financial support to qualified international students. 

1. International Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students based on their academic performance. Eligibility criteria include a strong academic record and standardized test scores. The scholarship amount may vary and is renewable for multiple years.

2. Cultural Diversity Scholarship: Governors State University values diversity and encourages students from different backgrounds to apply. The Cultural Diversity Scholarship is designed to support underrepresented students. Eligibility criteria may include academic achievements, leadership, and community involvement.

3. Graduate Assistantships: GSU offers graduate assistantships to qualified international students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree. These positions provide a stipend, tuition remission, and valuable professional experience in teaching, research, or administrative roles.

4. International Global Fellowship: The International Global Fellowship is awarded to international graduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and leadership potential. It provides a substantial financial award and opportunities for global engagement.

5. External Scholarships: GSU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by governments, foundations, and private organizations. The university's international services office may provide guidance on identifying and applying for these scholarships.

6. Private and Institutional Scholarships: Governors State University may have additional private and institutional scholarships available to international students. These scholarships may be specific to certain academic programs, majors, or fields of study.

7. Continuation Scholarships: GSU may offer continuation scholarships to international students who maintain good academic standing. These scholarships recognize and reward consistent academic performance.

8. Eligibility Criteria: Scholarship eligibility criteria can vary and may include factors such as academic achievement, standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS), leadership qualities, community involvement, and financial need.

9. Application Process: International students are typically automatically considered for some scholarships upon admission to GSU, while others may require a separate scholarship application. It is important to check specific scholarship requirements and deadlines.

10. Renewability: Many GSU scholarships are renewable for multiple years, provided that students meet the renewal criteria and maintain good academic standing.

It is advisable to apply well in advance to maximize scholarship opportunities and financial aid.

Governors State University (GSU), located in University Park, Illinois, offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Biology (M.S.) program that equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a variety of exciting and dynamic career paths within the field of biology.

1. Research Scientist: Graduates of the M.S. in Biology program often pursue careers as research scientists. They contribute to scientific advancements by conducting experiments, analyzing data, and publishing research findings. Opportunities exist in academic institutions, government agencies, and private research organizations.

2. Biotechnology Specialist: With the increasing importance of biotechnology, M.S. graduates can become specialists in this field. They may work on developing new drugs, improving agricultural processes, or contributing to advancements in genetic engineering.

3. Environmental Scientist: The program prepares students for roles as environmental scientists, where they study the impact of human activities on the environment. Graduates can work in areas such as conservation, pollution control, and environmental policy.

4. Pharmaceutical Researcher: Graduates may choose careers in pharmaceutical research, focusing on the development of new drugs and therapies. They work on understanding diseases at the molecular level and identifying potential treatments.

5. Clinical Laboratory Manager: M.S. in Biology graduates can take on roles as clinical laboratory managers, overseeing the operations of laboratories in hospitals, clinics, or research institutions. They ensure the accuracy and efficiency of diagnostic testing.

6. Science Educator: Some graduates find fulfillment in education, becoming science educators at high schools, community colleges, or universities. They inspire the next generation of scientists, sharing their passion for biology and contributing to STEM education.

7. Biomedical Illustrator/Communicator: Graduates with a creative inclination can explore careers as biomedical illustrators or communicators. They use their scientific knowledge to create visual materials for educational purposes, scientific publications, and multimedia presentations.

8. Wildlife Biologist: Those interested in the natural world may pursue careers as wildlife biologists. They study the behavior, habitats, and ecosystems of various species, contributing to conservation efforts and environmental management.