Master of Science in Biology

Program Coordinator

Admission Deadlines

Additional Links
Dr. Jim Loughry Fall Semester: March 15 Retention/Dismissal/Readmission Policy
Email: 
jloughry@valdosta.edu		 Spring Semester: October 15 Graduation Requirements
Phone: 229-333-5767

Summer Semester: March 15

 Biology Department

Admission Requirements

Required Documents

Admission Requirements

Online Graduate Application
  • Application Fee $35 (credit or debit card and e-checks accepted)
  • Apply Online

One Official Transcript from each institution where you have previously enrolled (undergraduate and graduate).

(Transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at VSU will be obtained by the Graduate School
  • Must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited institution with a major in Biology or a related-field.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.80 in the major coursework and an overall GPA of 2.50. Overall GPA will be calculated on all attempted undergraduate coursework in which a letter grade was awarded.
  • Evaluation of International Transcripts - Applicants who have completed coursework at an institution outside of the United States must submit a course-by-course evaluation of the coursework.  This transcript evaluation must be completed by an international education credentials evaluation service such as Josef Silny, ECE, etc.

Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores
  • Minimum GRE Requirements:
  • 1000 combined verbal and quantitative score.
One-Page Statement of Interest
  • In the written stateent describe your interest in the program and reasons for applying to the program.

Two Recommendations

(General Recommendation Form Required)
  • Recommendations from professionals familiar with your professional and/or academic background.
Advisor Acknowledgement
  • Written acknowledgement from one department faculty member who agrees to serve as the student’s major advisor, if the student is accepted.
  • Prospective students are encouraged to review faculty web pages to determine faculty research interests and identify who is conducting research of interest to the applicant. Applicants should then contact prospective advisors.

VSU Medical Form

Page 1 of Medical Form

Page 2 of Medical Form
  • The form must be completed and signed by the student/applicant.
  • This form must be received prior to enrollment, NOT prior to admission.
  • Applicants who are currently enrolled, and those who attended VSU in the past, are not required to resubmit the Medical Form

Unless otherwise indicated above, all required documents must be received on or before the admission deadline for your file to be reviewed. It is the applicant's responsibility to allow adequate time for document delivery and to en-sure receipt of documents. Please allow at least 7-10 days for delivery by mail.

International Applicants 

International applicants must meet all admission criteria and documentation requirements as defined by the program, however, additional documentation may be required.  Please review the information below for specific information and guidelines.

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Exam or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Applicants whose first language is not English (based on country of citizenship) must submit official scores on the TOEFL exam or IELTS exam. International applicants whose first language is not English but who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution may be exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.
  • Certificate of Finances- The Certificate of Finance is required of any applicant requiring a student visa to enter the United States to complete his or her studies. This document is considered a part of the application for admission and applications will not be reviewed without this document.  Applicants who do not require an I-20 student visa to complete their studies are exempt from this requirement.
  • Evaluation of International Transcripts - Applicants who have completed coursework at an institution outside of the United States must submit a course-by-course evaluation of the coursework.  This transcript evaluation must be completed by an international education credentials evaluation service such as Josef Silny, ECE, etc.  The transcript evaluation does not replace the transcript requirement. Official transcripts are still required.

Admission Classification

  • Regular Status
  • Probationary Status
    • Applicants may be considered on a probationary basis with combined GRE scores below 1000 and less than the minimum required GPA of 2.80 in major coursework.
  • The M.S. in Biology program will consider requests for Irregular Admission; however, requesting Irregular Admission does not guarantee approval to enroll.  See the Graduate School Irregular Form for specific informations.

Admission Questions 

For admission questions about this program, please contact the Graduate School by phone, email, or stop by our office.
  • Call Us: 229-333-5694 or toll free 800-618-1878, Option #5

 

 

 

 

 

 
  • Visit Us: Psychology Building (Main Campus), Third Floor, Suite 3100

 

 

 

Applicant Resources