GRADUATE STUDIES IN BIOLOGY AT UNCG

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Faculty in the Department of Biology are committed to providing training in basic science with considerable exposure to the latest biological and computational technology, the required skills for entry into rewarding life science careers. Our faculty and students work in an atmosphere that encourages extensive interdisciplinary exchange of ideas and technology, the cornerstone of innovative and purposeful research.

Our research interests center on the effects of environmental, nutritional, and chemical factors on biological systems. We use a range of state-of-the-art tools to assess biological responses at the molecular, cellular, organismal and ecosystem levels. We are also interested in developing new technologies to assess the effects of environment and lifestyle on human health and environmental quality. Our faculty have received national funding to address a variety of basic and applied questions in molecular and cellular biology, genetics, aquatic ecology, neuroscience and developmental biology. Check our faculty interests at the website linked to this text to learn more about current research projects. You are strongly encouraged to call potential research advisors and set up a visit to their laboratory to find out more about your possible role. 

The Department of Biology is located in the Eberhart Life Sciences Building on the UNCG campus. Our facilities include a biotechnology core facility, equipped with the requisite major and small equipment necessary for performing molecular biology research. The facility includes equipment for the production of oligonucleotides and automated DNA sequencing. We also have a wide range of microscopy equipment, computer capabilities, and other specialized equipment. Departmental faculty also have access to local field sites and national field stations for conducting environmental studies.

Application to UNCG's Graduate Program

To apply, you should submit an application form, GRE scores, official transcripts (two copies) from all undergraduate institutions attended, and three letters of reference. These should be sent to the Graduate School, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402. Application instructions, current application fees, and an on-line grad application form can be found at this link; international students are invited to visit the website for international applicants.

Additionally, you should write and submit a personal statement explaining how a Master's degree at UNCG will enable you to acheive your career ambitions. This statement should be sent directly to the Graduate Director, Department of Biology, 312 Eberhart Building, UNCG, Greensboro 27402-6174.

For more information: Students may complete a form on the Graduate School's Departmental Interest Page, or contact the Biology Department Graduate Director, Dr. Karen Katula, directly.

Some Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers):

Does UNCG offer financial support for graduate students?

UNCG awards teaching assistantships to qualified graduate students on a competitive basis. These assignments are usually made in March each year for the subsequent Fall semester, so we encourage applicants to submit their credentials early enough for consideration in March. Several Departmental Faculty support student research in their laboratories by awarding research assistantships paid by funds from their research grants. A limited number of research and teaching assistantships are available during the summer months. Qualified out-of-state students are eligible to apply for competitive waivers of out-of-state tuition; these are also awarded in March prior to Fall semester in which they are activated.

When should I apply?

Most awards for the following Fall are based on applications received by the end of February. To maximize your chances for admission and financial support, submit your application by the end of February. If you miss this target, realize that we can offer admission throughout the year, and we will still welcome your application.

How do I select a Thesis Advisor for my Master's Degree?

If your examination of our graduate faculty's research interests helps you identify a faculty member whose research looks interesting to you, then you are strongly urged to contact that person and let them know that you are applying to our program and that you are interested in their research. However, many new graduate students matriculate without having selected an advisor, so the Graduate Director serves as their temporary advisor. During your first semester, you can take up to three laboratory rotations to help you identify who will be your Thesis Advisor. We encourage students to reach an advisory agreement by the end of their first semester, present a thesis proposal to the Department during their second semester, and complete their research in about two years from the time they entered the program.

Will a Master's Degree in Biology improve my career prospects?

Yes. Our graduates are continually filling attractive, entry-level positions in a variety of settings that require specialized scientific and technological training. Other students continue their studies at medical and academic doctoral program. The state of North Carolina has a very strong biotechnology industry, several major medical research centers, federal research institutes, environmental research centers and sites, marine stations, and nature preserves, all of which require staffing by skilled and well-trained scientific personnel. There are a surprising number of supervisory, technical and community relations openings for individuals who have completed their Master's degree.

Am I qualified for admission and support?

Of course, the best way to find out is to apply. Obviously, we are interested in motivated students with strong training in biology or a related basic science. And of course, strong academic credentials are helpful. All of these factors, along with the personal statment and your reference letters are considered together when admission and support decisions are made. Basically, we are looking for students who want to learn more about biology and want to use the best available methods to answer interesting biological questions... and who want to interact with other biologists in related disciplines to come up with innovative approaches to these questions. We believe this is the essence of the research environment of the future.
 

Specific Requirements for the Master of Science

The Department of Biology offers a graduate program of study leading to a 30 hour Master of Science degree. At least 15 hours must be in 600-level courses.

A. Biology Electives (24-27 hours) Students will select between 24 and 27 hours from 500- and 600-level biology courses; up to 8 of these hours can be taken at the 500- and 600-level in other departments with the prior approval of the Director of Graduate Study. (Although the department tries to offer most courses at least once every other year, staffing and enrollment limitations make it unlikely that every course will be offered according to this schedule. Consult the instructor for the equivalence of listed prerequisites.)

B. Thesis (3-6 hours) BIO 699 - Thesis (3-6) Prior to the end of the second semester of enrollment, each student must identify a Thesis Advisory Committee composed of a thesis advisor and two other faculty; the composition of the committee must be approved by the Department Head. Prior to the end of the third semester of enrollment, each student must present a thesis proposal to the Department. Only after these requirements have been met can a student enroll for credit in BIO 699 - Thesis. 

Policies and Procedures for Graduate Students in the Department of Biology