Biologist inspecting lab print

Be on the Cutting Edge of Innovation

Broaden your STEM research opportunities and career possibilities with our master's degree program in biological sciences at A&M-Commerce.

Advance your professional goals or prepare for entry into a doctoral program with our Master of Science in Biological Sciences. Work with our faculty as you explore behavioral ecology, environmental science, microbiology, molecular and developmental biology, wildlife ecology, conservation and much more.

Where It Is Offered Commerce, Online
Duration 2-3 years
Foreign Language No foreign language credits required
Delivery Face-To-Face, Fully Online
Total Credit Hours Non-thesis 36, Thesis 30
Thesis Requirements Thesis and non-thesis options available
Student looking into microscope in Biology lab
Anchor Copied! Copy a link to this section of the page

Focus Your Passion

Our department offers two different tracks that cater to your research interests and career goals. Discover which program works best for you.

Research

If you’re interested in earning a Ph.D. or working in a laboratory setting, this program is designed for you. Our thesis track lets you conduct graduate-level research in our world-class McFarland Science Building and Biomedical Institute for Regenerative Research. Choose from a wide variety of specialties from molecular biology to wildlife ecology and much more. Our thirty-hour program is divided into eight courses (24 hours) plus thesis research (6 hours). You are encouraged to pursue research that matches your academic and professional goals. Speak with one of our faculty members and discover what opportunities we offer at A&M-Commerce.

Education

Are you a biology teacher looking to expand your knowledge and improve your teaching methods? Our non-thesis track is meant for you. With our fully-online program, you can study anywhere, anytime. Dive into a deeper understanding of invertebrate zoology, microbial ecology and human physiology through our program. You’ll also have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of electives that interest you. Our track opens the doors to teaching dual-credit and undergraduate courses at the college level.

View Full Curriculum
Anchor Copied! Copy a link to this section of the page

SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Scientist looking into microscope in Biology lab
Innovation and Discovery

Take on our mission to build a better Texas that is eager to compete in an interconnected world with creativity, ethical leadership and imagination. We don’t just discover the future; we make it.

Scientists testing liquid in a flask
Career Readiness

The College of Science and Engineering is a gateway to in-demand STEM careers projected to make up a significant portion of the U.S. and global economy.

Chemist inspecting petri dish in a lab
Accomplished Faculty

Shape an innovative framework with an award-winning faculty including four College of Science and Engineering Regents Professors, a highly selective honor for exemplary contributions to the university, community and the State of Texas.

Student looking into Biological Microscope
Hands-on Research

Our faculty will help you tackle complex challenges and discover solutions with hands-on research in various fields.

Anchor Copied! Copy a link to this section of the page

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A masters in biological sciences will offer you the opportunity to:

  • Dive deeper into your desired field to gain a career and salary edge in a competitive job market
  • Prepare for entry into doctoral or professional health programs
Biologist inspecting prints in a lab
Anchor Copied! Copy a link to this section of the page

Careers

Biological sciences students can use their in-depth knowledge to tackle challenges found in labs, research institutes and other related arenas. Broaden your network and gain real-world experience with internships and career opportunities with help from faculty and staff.

Career Possibilities and Current Median Salaries

Biochemist and Biophysicist
$93,280
Microbiologist
$71,650
Medical Scientist
$84,810

US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018

Anchor Copied! Copy a link to this section of the page

Internship opportunities

Internship experience provides the foundation employers are often looking for. Although not required for your degree, internships are an important part of your education experience. These are just a few of the companies that partner with Career Development and offer opportunities for A&M-Commerce biology students.

ORISE logo
Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve logo
Syngenta logo
Noble Research Institute logo

Anchor Copied! Copy a link to this section of the page
Biologist sitting next to microscope

What You Will Learn

This program will prepare you for research-intensive jobs in biochemistry, biophysics, microbiology, zoology or doctoral programs in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, physical therapy and allied health sciences fields.

Courses to Prepare You for Your Career

  • Foundation courses include Research Literature and Techniques or Thesis, depending on option selected
  • Core business analytics courses include Quantitative Biology, Advanced Cell Biology, Molecular Genetics and Human Physiology
Anchor Copied! Copy a link to this section of the page

Featured Courses

Advanced Neuroscience BSC 525

This course provides you with a greater understanding of molecular, developmental, and network mechanisms of neuronal function. Emphasis will be placed on molecular and cellular components of neurons at their most basic level as well in unique specific systems. You will gain an in-depth understand of basic principles and concepts of neurons at the molecular levels, to reason scientifically, and to understand and describe the cooperative function of organelles in the specialized cells.

Medical Microbiology BSC 516

This course covers pathogenic microorganisms and infections and helps you to develop a means of analyzing the nature of infectious diseases. This course will equally focus on the pathogenic mechanisms of microorganisms aided with corresponding individual case studies of diseases in order to foster critical thinking and problem solving techniques.

Endocrine Toxicology BSC 524

In this course, you will incorporate the study of basic endocrine functions and how these functions may be impaired or altered by environmental chemicals. You will consider endocrine organs, including the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, testes, ovaries and the pancreas as toxicological targets of environmental endocrine disruptors. In addition, the course reviews evidence of environmental endocrine disruption in fish and wildlife, and its relevance to human health.

View Full Curriculum In The University Catalog
Anchor Copied! Copy a link to this section of the page

Graduate Program Cost

PROGRAM COSTS

Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents.

Tuition Calculator
Financial Aid
Scholarships
Back to menu
Anchor Copied! Copy a link to this section of the page

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS International/Domestic Tabs (USE THIS ONE)

Admission

Your Path to Becoming a Lion

Back to menu
Anchor Copied! Copy a link to this section of the page

Master of Science in Biological Sciences:: Admissions Requirements Domestic v2

Deadlines

Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Your Path to Becoming a Lion

Step 1. Submit Application

Submit Application

  • Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
  • Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”

  • Select “Biological Sciences, MS” as your “Major.”
  • Pay the $50 application fee.

Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.

  • After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.

Provisional Status

After you submit your application, you may be granted provisional status, which means you can enroll in one semester of courses. You will not be eligible for financial aid until you submit all of your documents and are accepted into the program.

Step 2. Submit Documents

Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.

Official Transcripts

Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to [email protected].

  • We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.

All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.

We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.

  • If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
  • If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.

Undergraduate degree in Biology or a related discipline from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 overall or 3.0 on last 60 hours. Must have a minimum of 12 semester hours of Junior or Senior-level Biology classes with a minimum score of B (80%) or equivalent.

Postal Alternative

If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011

Two Letters of Recommendation

Request two signed letters of recommendation, on letterhead, from professionals who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program. Those individuals should:

Postal Alternative

If you are unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011

Statement of Intent

Write a letter including but not limited to the following information:

  • The type of degree you wish to pursue: Thesis, non-thesis or online,
  • Academic and career goals and
  • Area of interest in biology (ie. cellular and molecular biology, ecology, wildlife biology, genomics, oncology, cancer biology, microbiology, bioremediation etc.)

Resume or CV

Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.

Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status

  • Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.

Step 3. Apply for Financial Assistance

  • Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
  • Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
  • Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.

Step 4. Register for Classes

Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist is here to help you complete registration.

Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.

Back to menu
Anchor Copied! Copy a link to this section of the page

Master of Science in Biological Sciences :: Admissions Requirements, International v2

Deadlines

  • Fall admission consideration: June 1
  • Spring admission consideration: October 15
  • Summer admission consideration: March 15

Your Path to Becoming a Lion

Step 1. Submit Application

Submit Application

  • Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
  • Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”

  • Select “Biological Sciences, MS” as your “Major.”
  • Pay the $75 application fee.

Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.

  • After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.

Step 2. Submit Documents

Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.

Official Transcripts

Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to [email protected].

  • We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.

Undergraduate degree in Biology or a related discipline from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 overall or 3.0 on last 60 hours. Must have a minimum of 12 semester hours of Junior or Senior-level Biology classes with a minimum score of B (80%) or equivalent.

Postal Alternative

If you are unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
2600 S. Neal St.
Commerce Texas 75428

Transcript Evaluation

All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.

We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.

  • If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
  • If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.

Two Letters of Recommendation

Request two signed letters of recommendation, on letterhead, from professionals who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program. Those individuals should:

Postal Alternative

If you are unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
2600 S. Neal St.
Commerce Texas 75428

Statement of Intent

A letter including but not limited to the following information:

  • The type of degree you wish to pursue: Thesis, non-thesis or online
  • Academic and career goals
  • Area of interest in biology (ie. cellular and molecular biology, ecology, wildlife biology, genomics, oncology, cancer biology, microbiology, bioremediation etc.)

Resume or CV

Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.

English Proficiency

You do not need to submit test scores if you have completed (all years) of a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States.

Request that your scores from one of the following be sent to Texas A&M University-Commerce:

  • TOEFL (Minimum Scores: IBT 79, or CBT 213, or PBT 550)
  • IELTS (Minimum Score: 6.00 band overall)
  • PTE (Minimum Score: 53 overall or higher)
  • Duo Lingo (Minimum Score: 105)

*Scores must be less than two years old.

Official Sponsor Documents

Submit these documents to the Office of International Programs once you have been admitted

  • Official sponsor statement
  • Bank statement from the sponsor with a balance of at least $26,025 USD which is less than 1 year old

Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status

  • Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.

Step 3. Apply for Funding

Step 4. Register for Classes

Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist is here to help you complete registration.

Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.

Back to menu
Anchor Copied! Copy a link to this section of the page

We Are Here to Help!

Lora Gibson Graduate Enrollment Specialist
Dayla Burgin Graduate Student Services Coordinator
Venugopalan Cheriyath, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Anchor Copied! Copy a link to this section of the page

Contact Us

  • Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences
  • 903.886.5378
  • P.O. Box 3011
  • Commerce, TX 75429-3011
Anchor Copied! Copy a link to this section of the page

START YOUR JOURNEY! Two buttons

START YOUR JOURNEY!

Apply
Visit
Back to menu
Anchor Copied! Copy a link to this section of the page

Related Degree Programs

Navigate This Page