Biology, M.S.
Professors: Maher, Walker, Weber; Associate Professors: Champlin, Currie, Theodose; Assistant Professors: Lasley-Rasher, Miller; Adjunct Professors: Brown, Evers, Levine, Liaw, McMahan, Paruk, Reagan, Ryzhov, Staples, Stenhouse, Wilson
The M.S. program in biology at USM is designed to meet diverse student interests and to provide additional preparation for careers in biology. The program is aimed at three groups: 1) students who wish to continue the scholarly pursuit of biology and possibly continue with a Ph.D. or M.D.; 2) students desiring laboratory or field experience to make them more competitive for employment; and 3) students who teach, or wish to teach, at the secondary, community college, or technical college levels.
To meet these needs, the M.S. program in biology offers a breadth of coursework, and a thesis requirement with an individualized approach. Coursework and research opportunities span the subdisciplines of cell and molecular biology, developmental biology, evolutionary genetics, physiology (animal, plant, and microbial), ecology (animal, plant, and microbial), and environmental science.
The student master’s thesis, tailored to individual interests and falling within the research subdiscipline of a faculty mentor, is intended to provide experience in scientific investigation. Students are exposed to the current state of knowledge within the subdiscipline, and learn skills necessary for creative scientific inquiry. These include exploration and evaluation of the scientific literature, experimental design, implementation of original laboratory or field-based research, statistical analysis of data, and the writing of a publishable scientific paper.
Intakes
- Jan
- May
- Aug
Application Processing Time in Days: 20
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
The University of Maine System (UMS) has a wide array of benefits available to employees.
Our benefits not only enhance employees’ financial security and well-being, they also add significantly to their total compensation. We offer an excellent benefits package that includes paid time off (holidays, vacation and sick), health, dental, vision and life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, a tuition waiver program for eligible employees and dependents, a 403(b) retirement plan and more.
PSW Opportunity
3 years PSW
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
Application requirements and deadlines vary by program. See the sections above to browse by program. Fully online programs will not meet eligibility for a student visa (I-20). On-campus courses will be required.
In addition to the standard application materials, international students must also provide the following materials before their application will be reviewed:
Provide financial documentation that shows you are able to support educational and living costs.
Additional requirements for applicants with an international college transcript
Submit an official evaluation of college-level transcripts approved by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) transcript analysis agency
Evaluations must be course-by-course and provide verification that the degree you hold is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the United States.
NOTE: Some universities in Canada are exempt
Additional requirements for specific programs
Creative Writing (MFA): Review additional residency requirements.
Additional requirements for international transfer applicants
If you currently hold an F-1 student visa in the United States and wish to transfer to USM from another college or university, you will need to complete a transfer form with the foreign student advisor at your current school.
If your first language is not English, you may be required to provide test scores or credentials for English language proficiency — unless you hold a degree from an English-speaking institution.
We accept the following test scores and qualifications for admission into undergraduate programs:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Scores of 79 or higher on the internet-based test
Scores of 550 or higher on the paper-based test
Scores of 213 or higher on the computer-based test
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Scores of 6.5 or higher
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
Scores of 60 or higher
Duolingo Test of English
Scores of 105 or higher
NOTE: We are accepting Duolingo scores on a trial basis for the 2022–23 academic year
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Masters/PG Degree
- Duration: 01 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
37500 USD
Average Cost of Living: 14000 USD /year
Application Fee: N/A
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