Master of Science in Biology

The Master of Science in Biology degree offers you a combination of advanced study in general biology and specialization in an area tailored to your interests. If you are a thesis student (Plan A), you'll pursue an advanced original research project with your advisor to demonstrate mastery in a biological discipline. This will prepare you to enter doctoral and professional school programs. If you are a non-thesis student (Plan B), you should pursue a degree intended as a terminal degree if you are in professions such as teaching, administration and policy making in the life sciences.

Program Highlights

• Affordable tuition
• Distinguished faculty dedicated to your career path

Graduate School Application

Affordable and Quality M.S. in Biology Program

When it comes to financing your education, ENMU is here to help! Many of our students receive some sort of financial assistance, and we can help you find out if you qualify for any grants, loans, or scholarships. View information about scholarships for which you may apply as a current ENMU student. We also have a limited number of part-time graduate assistantships available.

Graduate assistantships providing hands-on experience may be awarded to qualified students. In addition to a stipend, graduate assistantships include a tuition waiver, which gives out-of-state students our low in-state tuition. A limited number of student-hire positions are also available in the department.

Graduate Tuition and Fees Financial Assistance for Graduates

Career Opportunities with an M.S. in Biology Program

With a master's degree in Biology you can pursue careers such as:

Or you can advance to a doctoral program or professional degree program!

Explore employment opportunities in this field by visiting the O*NET webpage. The U.S. Department of Labor sponsors the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) database. The site aggregates data for occupations across the United States.

Read more about career services for students

Admission Requirements for M.S. in Biology Program

The Master of Science in Biology degree offers a combination of advanced study in general biology and specialization in an area tailored to your interest. The thesis option allows you to pursue advanced original research projects with your advisors to demonstrate mastery in a biological discipline. This prepares you to enter doctoral and professional school programs. The non-thesis option allows you to pursue a degree that is intended as a terminal degree for students in professions such as teaching, administration and policy making in the life sciences.

To begin a Master of Science program in biology, you must:

• Meet Graduate School admission requirements.
• Have earned a bachelor's degree.
• Submit a statement of research interest(s) to the Graduate School.
• Submit at least two letters of recommendation to the Graduate School.
• Be approved by the graduate faculty in the Department of Biology. (Students lacking sufficient background in either science or statistics may be admitted with the stipulation that leveling courses will be completed in addition to degree requirements.)

Accelerated Plan

The ENMU biology program has an accelerated plan that allows you to begin your graduate degree during your last year of undergraduate coursework, thereby allowing you to complete the M.S. degree more quickly.

To participate, you should consult with the program's graduate coordinator during your last semester of your junior year to determine the procedures for application to the Graduate School. Admission to the accelerated program requires that you meet graduate school admission requirements with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and will be based on a review of your academic performance through your junior year.

Once admitted, you may take up to 12 hours of graduate (500-level) courses during your senior year. These courses will be considered shared credit courses, in that they may be used to meet both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.

While in your senior year, you must seek approval for registration from the graduate coordinator and graduate dean. It should be noted that if you receive a grade of “C” in a graduate course, you will be allowed to use the course for undergraduate degree requirements but you may not be able to use that course toward your graduate degree.

Graduate School Admission Procedures

Degree Options for M.S. in Biology Program

This degree may be obtained with or without a thesis.

Thesis option: You must complete 15 hours of Biology Core Requirements, 9 hours of electives and 6 hours of Master's Thesis. Undergraduate courses do not count toward graduate degree requirements; a minimum of 50 percent of the degree plan will be composed of graduate-only courses (not 400/500).

Non-thesis option: You must complete 15 hours of Biology Core Requirements, 15 hours of electives and comprehensive exams. Undergraduate courses do not count toward graduate degree requirements.

M.S. in Biology (24 hours, Thesis option)

Note: Degree information shown on this page is based on the 2020-22 Graduate Catalog.

Course	Credits
BIOL 513 Conservation Biology OR BIOL 528 Biotechnology	3
BIOL 562 Evolution	3
BIOL 579 Individual Research	3
BIOL 582 Biological Literature	3
BIOL 508 Pedagogy and Professional Development (required to complete if you are accepting a graduate teaching assistantship)	1
BIOL 599 Master's Thesis	6
Required Elective Courses You must complete 9 hours of electives selected in consultation with your graduate advisory committee.	9

Statistics Requirement

You are required to have two courses in statistics either taken prior to admission to the program or as a part of the graduate degree plan. Courses prior to admission to the Biology Graduate Program can include undergraduate or graduate-level statistics. If you have not completed this requirement, then you will be required to take graduate-level statistics (STAT 503 and/or STAT 513).

M.S. in Biology (36 hours, Non-thesis option)

Note: Degree information shown on this page is based on the 2020-22 Graduate Catalog.

Course	Credits
BIOL 513 Conservation Biology	3
BIOL 528 Biotechnology	3
BIOL 562 Evolution	3
BIOL 582 Biological Literature	3
BIOL 592 Research Presentation in Biology	3
BIOL 508 Pedagogy and Professional Development (required to complete if you are accepting a graduate teaching assistantship)	1
BIOL 579 Individual Research	3
BIOL 580 Graduate Project	3
Required Elective Courses You must complete 15 hours of electives in consultation with your graduate advisory committee.	15

Statistics Requirement

You are required to have two courses in statistics either taken prior to admission to the program or as a part of the graduate degree plan. Courses prior to admission to the Biology Graduate Program can include undergraduate or graduate-level statistics. If you have not completed this requirement, then you will be required to take graduate-level statistics (STAT 503 and/or STAT 513).

Apply Now

If you are interested in pursuing a master's in biology, please submit an application or contact us for more information.

Graduate School Application

All required admission materials should be sent directly to the Graduate School:

Graduate School
ENMU Station 24
1500 S Ave K
Portales, NM 88130
Phone: 575.562.2147

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ENMU combines an engaging learning environment with current technology to provide a rich educational experience. We focus on preparing students for careers and advanced study; promoting citizenship and leadership skills and values; supporting excellence in teaching and research; and empowering students to respond to a rapidly changing world. With affordable tuition, evening classes as well as select online courses, we offer an education that fits your lifestyle and puts your career goals within reach. Apply now or contact us for further information on how to advance your career by earning a Master of Science in Biology.