Biology: Non-Thesis (Accelerated MS)

Program Availability

The Biology Accelerated Master’s is a traditional, on-campus program offered on the Indiana State University campus in Terre Haute, Indiana. The program is open to eligible U.S. and international undergraduate students enrolled in the Biology Bachelor of Science (BS) program.

Why Choose the Biology Accelerated Master’s Program at Indiana State?

If your educational and career goals include earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, then the Biology Accelerated Master’s program is an ideal pathway, saving you time and money.

Go Further Faster

As a student in the Biology Bachelor of Science (BS) program at Indiana State University, you may be eligible to participate in the Biology Accelerated Master’s (4+1) program. This degree option enables you to combine undergraduate and graduate courses and begin your master’s during your senior year of undergraduate study. This dual enrollment pathway enables you to complete your Master of Science (MS) in Biology one year after completing your bachelor’s in biology. This program does not include a thesis.

It is important to contact an academic advisor early in your studies to determine your eligibility, discuss program and GPA requirements, and plan your program of study.

Learn from Our Excellent Faculty

You will benefit from relatively small class sizes that enable you to work one-on-one with faculty. Facilities include well-equipped modern laboratories with sophisticated instruments and computers designed to facilitate learning and research. The department is home to the Center for Bat Research Conservation and Outreach and houses the facilities for The Center for Genomic Advocacy, with state-of-the-art equipment for sequencing genomes.

What You’ll Learn in the Biology Program

Your undergraduate coursework will provide a broad, general program of study in biology, including courses and labs in cellular and microbial biology (with molecular biology), ecology and evolution, general physiology, and general genetics (with molecular biology).

At the graduate level, you will develop a program of study tailored to meet your interests and goals by selecting courses and seminars from areas such as biology, ecology, organismal biology, and life sciences. You will complete a research course and a culminating experience. Research areas include behavior, physiology, microbiology, bioinformatics, cell and molecular biology, ecology, evolution, genomics, and conservation. The program does not include a thesis.

Further Information

Accelerated Masters: Biology Non-Thesis 

Career Possibilities for Biology Graduates

The Accelerated Biology Master’s program provides the advanced knowledge of biology needed for higher-level positions and careers in industry and federal and state government agencies. In addition, the program is excellent preparation for professional schools.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in life, physical, and social science occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. The median annual wage for this group was $74,330 in May 2022, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations.

Accreditation

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.