Dr. Dana Price, Program Director
410-543-6498
Advisement for the program is available from the Biological Sciences Department.
The M.S. in applied biology addresses the growing need for a technologically trained workforce with special skills in laboratory, biotech and environmental science.
The curriculum emphasizes skills development in a research setting and relates practical experiences to a strong background in theory. The department views the two-year thesis program as the principal choice for most students, especially for those who plan to continue their graduate study beyond the M.S. level. However, an optional Applied Biology, M.S. Non-Thesis Option program and an accelerated 4+1 M.S. program for advanced undergraduates are also available. The choice of program options is made in consultation with a graduate advisor in the department.
Admission
Admission to the M.S. in applied biology at SU requires an application for graduate program admission, the application fee, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, the Residency/Domicile Information form (for those students applying for in-state tuition) and the following program-specific credentials:
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An undergraduate degree (in biology or related field) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale. In addition to coursework in biology, student transcripts should demonstrate the completion of prerequisite courses in chemistry (two courses in general chemistry and at least one semester of organic chemistry), at least one course in physics and a course in statistics.
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Three letters of recommendation from individuals qualified to judge the applicant’s potential for success in a graduate program.
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A personal statement relating the applicant’s goals and career objectives as well as research interests and potential graduate advisors in the department.
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Scores on the general Graduate Record Exam (GRE) at or above the 50th percentile. Scores on the biology GRE are optional but if submitted will be considered in admission decisions.
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All applicants (thesis and non-thesis) are encouraged to make contact with prospective graduate advisor(s) in the department prior to submission of an application for admission to the program. M.S. thesis students must make such contact and will not be admitted without the endorsement of a graduate advisor for their research.
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International students are referred to additional guidelines described in the current Salisbury University catalog.
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Students transferring to SU from other universities may receive a maximum of six transfer credits for courses in which they have earned a grade of B or better. Each course will be individually assessed for program equivalency. Determination of allowable credit for work completed elsewhere will be made at the time of admission by the director of the graduate program.
Application materials should be received by the biology graduate program director by March 1 for full consideration.
Program Policies
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Complete 33 credit hours of graduate work, which are generally completed in a two-year period. Two different program options are offered:
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Both options include a substantial component of laboratory and/or field work and certification of an Allied Professional Skill.
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Maintain a 3.0 GPA each semester.
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Students who earn a C are required to meet with the departmental Graduate Committee.
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Students who earn a second C are dismissed from the program.
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Any grade of D or lower results in dismissal from the program.
Checklist
This checklist is an unofficial tool for planning. Matriculated students and advisors should consult the Academic Requirements Report in GullNet before and after registering for classes each semester to track academic progress.
