M.Ed. in Special Education
Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, offers a comprehensive Master of ...
M.S. in Biology - Biological Sciences
Clinton, Mississippi
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Biological Sciences at Mississippi College requires a minimum of 30 semester hours for the thesis option and typically more for the non-thesis route. This graduate degree aims to deepen students' understanding of core biological principles, research methodologies, and analytical techniques. It provides a strong foundation in various sub-disciplines of biology, including but not limited to freshwater biology, medicine, education, molecular genetics, ecology, and conservation biology. The program is particularly suited for individuals who wish to pursue a research-intensive career or continue their academic journey towards a Ph.D.
STEM-Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Biological Sciences at Mississippi College is a STEM-designated program. This designation is significant, especially for international students, as it allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period after graduation, providing more opportunities for work experience in the U.S. within their field of study.
Curriculum: The curriculum is comprehensive, allowing students to delve into advanced topics. For the thesis option, students typically complete a minimum of 24 hours of coursework, with 18 hours being formal classroom courses, in addition to 6 thesis hours and a seminar. The non-thesis option would involve more coursework to meet the credit hour requirement. Course offerings span a wide range, including subjects like Hormones & Behavior, Chemical Ecology, Cell Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Microbial Diversity, Advanced Histology, Introductory Molecular Genetics, Systems Biology, and Advanced Microbial Physiology. The flexibility of the curriculum allows students to tailor their studies to align with their specific interests and career goals within the broad field of biological sciences.
Research Focus: A key strength of the M.S. in Biological Sciences, particularly for those pursuing the thesis option, is its strong emphasis on research. Students engaging in the thesis option must satisfactorily complete a research prospectus, conduct potentially publishable research, and present a seminar on their findings. Faculty members in the Department of Biological Sciences have diverse research interests, providing students with opportunities to engage in various areas such as the physiology of metacognition, effects of biologically active compounds on gene expression in mammalian cells, spatial ecologies of vertebrates using remote cameras, nutritional effects on Drosophila melanogaster and its implications for human health, and environmental monitoring of metals and metalloids. Individual research laboratories are well-equipped to support a broad spectrum of life science research, from molecular and cell biology to ecosystem ecology. This hands-on research experience is crucial for developing critical thinking, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication skills.
Industry Engagement: The program aims to prepare students for diverse careers in both academic and non-academic settings. While specific industry partnerships are not extensively detailed, the program's focus on practical research skills and its preparation for "private industry careers" indicate a strong alignment with industry needs. The faculty's diverse research areas, some of which have applications in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science, inherently provide opportunities for students to gain skills relevant to these industries. The M.S. also prepares students for further graduate study, which can lead to research roles in various industries.
Global Perspective: While the core curriculum of the M.S. in Biological Sciences does not explicitly highlight a global perspective, Mississippi College as an institution fosters an international environment. With a notable population of international students and dedicated support for global education, the university provides a culturally diverse learning setting. In a field like biological sciences, many research areas naturally have global implications, such as environmental ecology, biodiversity, and infectious diseases. While not explicitly stated in the program details, the broad scope of biological research and the diverse student body can indirectly contribute to a more global understanding of scientific challenges and solutions.
Location
Clinton, Mississippi
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 13856
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
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 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 52 or higher.
Mississippi College is making quality education affordable for students from around the world. To support this goal, the college offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students, helping to reduce the overall cost of tuition and living expenses.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students with strong academic records are eligible for merit-based scholarships. These awards are determined by evaluating high school GPA (or equivalent), standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT), and other academic achievements. The scholarship amount varies, with awards ranging from partial to significant tuition discounts, which are renewable based on academic performance.
Presidential and Dean’s Scholarships: Highly qualified international students may receive Presidential or Dean’s Scholarships, two of the most prestigious awards offered by Mississippi College. These scholarships are based on exceptional academic credentials and leadership potential and can cover a substantial portion of tuition costs.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology with a concentration in Biological Sciences from Mississippi College opens doors to a vast and diverse range of career opportunities across various sectors. This STEM-designated program equips graduates with advanced laboratory skills, critical thinking, research methodology, and a deep understanding of biological systems, making them highly competitive in the job market or for further academic pursuits.
Research Scientist (Academic, Industry, or Government): This is a primary career path, with graduates conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to new scientific discoveries. They can work in university labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, or government research institutions (e.g., NIH, CDC, USDA).
Biological Technician/Laboratory Manager: Graduates can work in various laboratory settings, performing experiments, maintaining equipment, managing lab operations, and ensuring quality control. This role is vital in medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and environmental research and testing labs.
Environmental Scientist/Consultant: With a focus on ecology, conservation, or environmental biology, graduates can work to protect natural resources, assess environmental impacts, develop sustainable practices, and advise organizations on environmental compliance. They may work for government agencies, non-profits, or private consulting firms.
Biotechnologist: In this rapidly growing field, graduates apply biological principles to develop new products and processes in areas like medicine (e.g., drug discovery, gene therapy), agriculture (e.g., crop improvement), and industrial processes (e.g., biofuels).
Microbiologist: Specializing in microorganisms, microbiologists study bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes. They can work in healthcare (e.g., diagnostics, disease control), food safety, environmental remediation, or industrial applications.
Geneticist/Molecular Biologist: These specialists delve into the study of genes, DNA, RNA, and proteins, understanding their functions and interactions. Their work is crucial in areas like genetic counseling, disease research, forensics, and agricultural biotechnology.
Science Educator (Post-secondary/Community College): With an M.S. degree, graduates are qualified to teach biology at community colleges or as instructors at universities, sharing their knowledge and inspiring the next generation of scientists. They can also work in curriculum development.
Medical/Clinical Laboratory Scientist (with additional certification): While some roles may require specific clinical certifications, the strong biological foundation prepares graduates for positions in medical laboratories, performing tests on patient samples to aid in disease diagnosis and treatment.
Wildlife Biologist/Ecologist: For those passionate about biodiversity and conservation, these roles involve studying animal populations, their habitats, and ecological interactions. They often work for state and federal wildlife agencies, conservation organizations, or research institutions.
Scientific Writer/Editor: Graduates with strong communication skills can translate complex scientific information into accessible language for various audiences. They may work for scientific journals, publishing houses, pharmaceutical companies, or public relations firms specializing in science communication.
