M.A. in Anthropology
The University of Tulsa, a respected private research institution in the United States,...
M.S. in Biological Science
Tulsa, Oklahoma
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The University of Tulsa offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Biological Science, providing students with an advanced and comprehensive understanding of biological principles and research methodologies. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options, allowing students to tailor their academic path to their career aspirations, whether that involves extensive research or a coursework-focused approach. Emphasizing critical thinking, analytical skills, and hands-on laboratory experience, the program prepares graduates for diverse careers in research, education, health sciences, industry, and government.
STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Biological Science program at the University of Tulsa is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage for international students, as it often qualifies them for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the United States after graduation, providing more opportunities for professional work experience in their field.
Curriculum: The M.S. in Biological Science curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation across various biological subfields. Core coursework often includes advanced studies in areas such as ecology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, and physiology. The non-thesis option typically requires 36 credit hours of coursework, allowing students to choose a field of focus and select relevant courses with the guidance of advisors. The thesis option involves a significant research project culminating in a written thesis. Both options emphasize laboratory work, experimental design, data analysis, and the development of strong communication skills, preparing graduates to tackle complex biological challenges.
Research Focus: The Department of Biological Science at the University of Tulsa maintains a robust research environment with faculty expertise spanning a wide range of areas. Research interests include animal behavior and behavioral ecology, cell and molecular biology, developmental biology, ecology, genetics, herpetology, glycobiology, immunology, microbiology, morphology, mycology, neurobiology, physiology, and virology. The department boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including electron microscopy, DNA preparation and analysis, and confocal microscopy, as well as a research and teaching greenhouse. Students are encouraged to engage in cutting-edge research, with opportunities for original contributions to the field, fostering advanced technical research skills and knowledge of experimental design and statistical data analysis.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Biological Science program at the University of Tulsa is highly oriented towards preparing graduates for successful professional careers, boasting a 100% graduate employment rate. Graduates are well-equipped for roles in a wide range of settings, including health care, research laboratories (both private and governmental), and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The program's emphasis on developing technical research skills, critical thinking, and communication abilities directly translates into competencies valued by employers. Alumni have found positions at reputable organizations such as the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Saint Francis Health System, Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa City-County Health Department, St. John Medical Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health, underscoring its strong industry relevance and career success.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Biological Science at the University of Tulsa inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing the universal principles of biology and their relevance to worldwide challenges. The curriculum covers diverse biological topics that contribute to understanding global issues such as disease, environmental conservation, and sustainable development. Research areas, from virology to ecology, often have global implications, addressing challenges that transcend national borders. While the program may not feature explicit international study opportunities, the comprehensive scientific training, coupled with the university's diverse student body and faculty, encourages a broad understanding of biological systems and their global impact. This prepares graduates to contribute to scientific advancements and solutions on an international scale.
Location
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 27858
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 56 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 300 required.
The University of Tulsa (TU) in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their academic journey. Attracting talented students from around the world, TU provides both merit-based and need-based scholarships to help reduce the financial burden of higher education.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students admitted to TU are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall application strength. These scholarships can significantly offset tuition costs, with awards ranging from partial tuition waivers to full scholarships. The university looks for outstanding academic records, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement when awarding these scholarships.
International Student Scholarships: TU offers specific scholarships aimed at international students, including renewable awards that encourage academic excellence throughout the duration of the degree program. Some scholarships are designated for particular fields of study or for students demonstrating strong community involvement.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students may apply for assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition remission and stipends in exchange for teaching or research responsibilities. These positions not only offer financial support but also valuable professional experience within the university environment.
An M.S. in Biological Science from the University of Tulsa equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical research skills across a broad spectrum of biological disciplines. The program's flexible structure, offering both thesis and non-thesis options, caters to diverse career aspirations, from intensive research to direct entry into industry or healthcare roles. With a reported 100% graduate employment rate and a strong emphasis on hands-on experience and critical thinking, the program prepares graduates for impactful careers in a rapidly advancing scientific landscape.
Research Scientist (Academic or Industry): Graduates can work in university research labs, government agencies (e.g., NIH, CDC), or private companies (biotech, pharmaceutical) conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to scientific discovery in areas like genetics, microbiology, or neurobiology.
Laboratory Manager/Supervisor: With an M.S. degree, individuals can oversee daily operations in scientific laboratories, managing staff, ensuring quality control, maintaining equipment, and implementing safety protocols in research, clinical, or industrial settings.
Clinical Research Coordinator/Associate: These professionals play a crucial role in clinical trials, ensuring that studies are conducted ethically and efficiently, recruiting participants, collecting data, and ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines in pharmaceutical or medical device companies.
Environmental Scientist/Consultant: Applying ecological and biological principles, graduates can work to address environmental issues such as pollution, conservation, and sustainable resource management for government agencies, non-profits, or private consulting firms.
Biotechnology Specialist: In the rapidly growing biotech sector, graduates can work in various roles related to the development and production of biological products, including genetic engineering, cell culture, fermentation, and bioprocess optimization.
Public Health Specialist: Armed with a strong understanding of biological systems and disease, graduates can work in public health organizations (like the CDC or local health departments) to monitor disease outbreaks, develop prevention strategies, and promote community health.
Forensic Biologist/Scientist: Apply biological techniques to analyze evidence (e.g., DNA, blood, fibers) found at crime scenes, assisting law enforcement in criminal investigations and providing expert testimony.
Science Educator/Teacher: Graduates can teach biology at the high school or community college level, inspiring the next generation of scientists and fostering scientific literacy. Some may also pursue roles in science communication or museum education.
Wildlife Biologist/Conservationist: Specializing in organismal biology and ecology, these professionals work to study, protect, and manage wildlife populations and their habitats for government agencies (e.g., Department of Wildlife Conservation), non-profits, or zoos.
Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist: Work in hospitals and clinical laboratories performing complex diagnostic tests on patient samples to help physicians diagnose and treat diseases, encompassing areas like microbiology, immunology, and hematology.
