Admission Requirements
The Master of Science in General Biology program only allows degree-seeking students who are fully admitted to the MSGB program to take online classes. No unclassified students are allowed to enroll in online biology courses without prior permission of the graduate coordinator.
Fall admission is preferred; however, Spring and Summer applicants will be considered.
Admission Deadlines:
Fall - August 1
Spring - December 1
Summer - May 15
Admission to the MSGB program is open to students who have earned at least a "B" average in the last 60 hours in a relevant undergraduate major as part of a bachelor's degree earned at an accredited academic institution. A minimum of 15 hours in Biology from an accredited university is preferred, with at least a "B" grade and an overall GPA of at least 2.75.
Applicants must submit a statement of purpose and three (3) letters of recommendation from persons qualified to evaluate their undergraduate scholastic performance (or quality of administrative service), and suitability for graduate study in this program. The GRE is not required for admission purposes.
All applicants are reviewed for admission into the MSGB program on an individual basis. MSGB applications are screened on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, a combination of grades, level of difficulty of the courses, prior BIO hours, overall GPA, letters of recommendation, work experience, and statement of purpose/reason for wanting to complete the degree program.
Students who do not meet regular admission requirements may be considered for provisional admission at the discretion of the Mississippi State University Department of Biological Sciences graduate faculty.
Admissions Process
Admissions
Master of Science in General Biology courses are offered only during the semester under which they are listed. Fall admission is preferred; however, Spring and Summer applicants will be considered.
Admission Deadlines:
Fall - August 1
Spring - December 1
Summer - May 15
Check the Academic Calendar for information regarding class start and end dates.
Follow the guide below to ensure that you complete all that is necessary for taking courses in the Master of Science in General Biology (MSGB) program at Mississippi State University.
Official transcripts being sent electronically (eScripted) should be sent to gradapps@grad.msstate.edu
- Fill out the online Application for Admission selecting the "General Biology" degree option. (Selecting "Biological Sciences" will result in your application being reviewed for our on campus degree program, necessitating the submission of a new application and application fee.) The application requires a Statement of Purpose and the names and email addresses of 3 individuals submitting letters of recommendation on your behalf. A form will be provided to your recommenders via email for completion.
- Submit a $60.00 or $80.00 international (non-refundable) application fee, payable online.
- Submit one official transcript from the awarding institution of your undergraduate degree either electronically or by mail to:
- Electronic transcripts should be sent to: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
- Paper transcripts should be mailed to: Mississippi State University
The Office of the Graduate School
P.O. Box G
Mississippi State, MS 39762
- Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.):
Mississippi State University
Office of the Graduate School
255 Lee Blvd
Mississippi State, MS 39762
- You will receive an email of acceptance when you are officially admitted to MSU.
- Contact Dr. Donna Gordon, Graduate Coordination, Department of Biological Sciences, MSGB@biology.msstate.edu or 662.325.9337, who will release you for registration and will also provide continuing support to you as a graduate student throughout the program.
- Register for the Online@State Orientation course which will prepare you for online learning at MSU
- Textbooks are available 2 to 3 weeks prior to the start of classes and can be ordered through Barnes and Noble at MSU.
- You will be able to access Canvas on the first day of the semester. To access your courses, enter your NetID and NetPassword and click the Classroom tab.
