Biology M.S.

Institutional Accreditation

Information on FGCU institutional accreditation is available at www.fgcu.edu/accreditation

Getting Started

Applicants must submit an application online per the individual program’s instructions below. Please contact Graduate Admissions at 239-745-GRAD or graduate@fgcu.edu for additional information about the application process. Satisfaction of minimum University and program requirements does not guarantee admission to a graduate program. Applicants should check with the program for the most up to date admission requirements prior to commencing the application process.

Admissions to the Master of Science in Biology program is competitive and selective. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements for consideration may not necessarily be admitted into the program.

• Submit an FGCU Graduate Admissions Application and satisfy all applicable university admissions requirements.
• Earned baccalaureate degree from an institution that maintains accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education sanctioned accrediting body (https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/college-accreditation) or equivalent foreign institution in biological sciences or a related field relevant to the research interest of the applicant.
• A cover letter of introduction including academic and career goals, a statement of research interests to assist in identifying a faculty mentor (three pages maximum).
• Official copy of undergraduate transcripts with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for the last 60 credits of upper division undergraduate coursework. GPA from previous graduate coursework (if any) may also be taken into consideration. No entrance exam is required unless the GPA is less than 3.0. If the GPA is less than 3.0, then an applicant must have a minimum entrance score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), within the last five years, of at least 300 (combined), 140 (verbal) and 160 (quantitative).
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or research potential.
• International students must demonstrate English language proficiency in accordance with University regulation.
• Applicants that do not meet all of the above requirements may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Program Requirements for the 2025-2026 Catalog Year

Program Progression and Additional Graduation Requirements

• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all coursework in the program.
• Successful completion of all policies and procedures outlined in the Biology Program Graduate Student Handbook.
• Submit an application to graduate to the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Advising by the deadline listed in the FGCU Academic Calendar.
• Students must register for a minimum of one credit during the semester in which they apply for graduation.
• A maximum of 9 credits may be transferred from other institutions or programs, subject to approval from the Biology Graduate Studies Coordinator.
• If pursuing the thesis option, submit one electronic copy of the completed thesis to ProQuest. Refer to the Graduate Studies website for guidelines.

Program Requirements

1. Required Courses in the Major (12 credits)
   Minimum grade of B or S in each course
   BSC 6840 Ethics & Compliance in Biology (1)
   BSC 6846 Sci Writing & Communication (2)
   BSC 6849 Found of Grad Studies in Bio (3)
   PCB 6455C Research Design and Bio Stats (3)
   PCB 6526C Molecular Methods in Biology (3)
   
   
2. Thesis or Non-Thesis (24 credits)
   Minimum grade of B or S required in each course. All courses must be selected in consultation with the faculty advisor/mentor.
   
   Complete one of the following options:
   Thesis Option
   BSC 6958 Graduate Journal Club in Bio (0) (required for four semesters)
   BSC 6972 Master’s Thesis Research (9)*
   BSC 6975 Thesis Defense Seminar (1)
   Complete 14 credits from courses numbered 5000-6999 with a prefix of BSC, MCB, PCB, ZOO; or other approved courses
   
   *Nine (9) total credits of BSC 6972 are required for graduation; these are typically accrued over the course of three semesters. 
   
   Non-Thesis Option
   BSC 6938 Seminar in Biology (1)
   Complete 23 credits from courses numbered 5000-6999 with a prefix of BSC, MCB, PCB, ZOO; or other approved courses

Total Credits Required: 36 HRS