Biological Sciences - Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics - M.S.

The Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences - Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics is an individualized program of study and research that prepares students for career opportunities in teaching and research in academic, governmental and industrial settings. A core series of courses sets a rigorous foundation in theory, experimental design and technical knowledge of contemporary investigations at the cellular level of organization. Areas of research include developmental biology, cellular and developmental neuroscience, immunology, reproductive biology, cellular endocrinology and molecular genetics.

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Program Information for Biological Sciences - Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics - M.S.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Understand advanced biological concepts beyond the scope of the typical undergraduate degree and increase the depth of their knowledge through coursework and hands-on experiences.
  2. Apply scientific principles and appreciate work outside of their particular field.
  3. Effectively communicate about science with colleagues as well as those outside of their area of expertise.
  4. Develop the necessary laboratory skills that will allow testing of hypotheses.

Admissions for Biological Sciences - Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics - M.S.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Completion of undergraduate coursework roughly equivalent to the Biology minor
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s) - copies of official transcripts can be submitted for initial review of application
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae
  • Personal statement that clearly explains why the applicant wishes to pursue an advanced degree and describes research experience and interest; statement must include a list of potential faculty mentors
  • Three letters of recommendation that comment on chance of success in an advanced degree program, with minimum one from someone who can comment on research aptitude
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 65 PTE score
    • Minimum 120 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: November 15
      Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Coursework

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Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
BSCI 50142BIOENERGETICS 3
BSCI 50143EUKARYOTIC CELL BIOLOGY 3
BSCI 60104BIOLOGICAL STATISTICS 14
BSCI 60144SELECTED READINGS IN EUKARYOTIC CELL BIOLOGY 1
BSCI 60184RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT IN RESEARCH AND TEACHING-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 22
BSCI 60191SEMINAR IN BIOLOGY (taken 2-4 times)2-4
Major Electives 39-11
Student Seminar Presentation 4
Culminating Requirement
BSCI 60199THESIS I 56
Minimum Total Credit Hours:32
1

Students may substitute a different graduate-level statistics course for BSCI 60104, if deemed appropriate by the students' advisor/guidance committee.

2

Students are required to enroll in BSCI 60184 their first semester (or the following fall semester for those starting their studies in the spring semester).

3

Students are to select courses in consultation with their academic faculty advisor. It is recommended that students enroll in BSCI 50195 for selected current topics. Additional coursework should provide the necessary skills and/or knowledge base to aid in the completion of the student's research project and be beneficial for their professional development.

4

Students are required to present at least one departmental seminar about their work.

5

After completing 6 credit hours of BSCI 60199, students must register continually for BSCI 60299 until the degree is earned. Students begin research by successfully preparing, presenting and defending a formal prospectus for their research project to their committee. For the thesis and final defense, it is expected that students will present the results of their study in a defense open to students and faculty. The thesis must be presented and defended before the Guidance Committee with not more than one negative vote in order to be recommended to the Department of Biological Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences for degree conferral.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Students must complete a minimum 14 credit hours of graduate courses beyond BSCI 60198 toward their degree.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Biological Sciences - Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics - M.S.

Biological science teachers, postsecondary

9.3%

much faster than the average

64,700

number of jobs

$85,600

potential earnings

Biological scientists, all other

2.2%

slower than the average

44,700

number of jobs

$85,290

potential earnings

Biological technicians

4.9%

about as fast as the average

87,500

number of jobs

$46,340

potential earnings

Microbiologists

3.1%

about as fast as the average

20,200

number of jobs

$84,400

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Microbiology - Minor

The Microbiology minor gives students an understanding of biology and the broader impacts of microorganisms, as well as specialized knowledge of the role of microbiology in medicine and environmental science.

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Program Information for Microbiology - Minor

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge about the biology of microorganisms, including physiology, cell biology, genetics, evolution, diversity and ecology of microorganisms.
  2. Apply knowledge about microorganisms to issues in medicine, environmental science, public health or industry.
  3. Read scientific reports and evaluate and communicate scientific data collected in the field of microbiology.
  4. Acquire experience in laboratory procedures used in culturing and identifying microorganisms.

Admissions for Microbiology - Minor

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Coursework

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Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Minor Requirements
BSCI 10110BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
BSCI 10120BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
BSCI 30140CELL BIOLOGY 4
BSCI 30171GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY 4
Biological Sciences (BSCI) Electives, choose from the following:6-7
BSCI 30156
ELEMENTS OF GENETICS
BSCI 40148
PRINCIPLES OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE
BSCI 40162
SOIL BIOLOGY
BSCI 40174
IMMUNOLOGY
BSCI 40273
INTRODUCTION TO MYCOLOGY
BSCI 40363
MICROBIAL ECOLOGY
BSCI 40380
BIOGEOCHEMISTRY
BSCI 40581
ANIMAL PARASITOLOGY
Minimum Total Credit Hours:22

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Minor GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
  • Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

The following Biological Sciences (BSCI) courses may NOT be used in the elective category for majors or minors in the Department of Biological Sciences:

BSCI 10001HUMAN BIOLOGY (KBS) 3
BSCI 10002LIFE ON PLANET EARTH (KBS) 3
BSCI 10003LABORATORY EXPERIENCE IN BIOLOGY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
BSCI 10005SMALL ANIMAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY FOR VETERINARY TECHNICIANS 4
BSCI 11010FOUNDATIONAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (KBS) (KLAB) 3
BSCI 11020FOUNDATIONAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II (KBS) (KLAB) 3
BSCI 16001HORTICULTURAL BOTANY 3
BSCI 20019BIOLOGICAL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION 4
BSCI 20021BASIC MICROBIOLOGY 3
BSCI 20022BASIC MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY 1
BSCI 21010ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (KBS) (KLAB) 4
BSCI 21020ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II 4
BSCI 26002ECOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF PEST MANAGEMENT 3
BSCI 26003PLANT IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION I 3
BSCI 26004PLANT IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION II 3
BSCI 30050HUMAN GENETICS 3
BSCI 40020BIOLOGY OF AGING 3
Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Human Disease - Minor

The Human Disease minor provides students with a chance to develop a deep understanding of the complex processes and mechanisms that cause the human diseases commonly seen in medical settings.

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Program Information for Human Disease - Minor

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Understand disease processes of prevalent human diseases, including cancer, neurological diseases, addiction, obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes and infectious disease.
  2. Appreciate the deleterious health impacts of these diseases, and demonstrate understanding of current treatment options.
  3. Read and analyze primary scientific reports related to human disease and their underlying cellular, molecular, physiological and behavioral mechanisms.

Admissions for Human Disease - Minor

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Coursework

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Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Minor Requirements
BSCI 10120BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
BSCI 30140CELL BIOLOGY 4
BSCI 30156ELEMENTS OF GENETICS 3
Biological Sciences (BSCI) Electives, choose from the following:11-12
BSCI 30171
GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
BSCI 40148
PRINCIPLES OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE
BSCI 40150
MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF DISEASE: CANCER
BSCI 40151
MECHANISMS OF DISEASE: OBESITY AND RELATED METABOLIC DISEASES
BSCI 40152
MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF DISEASE: NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
BSCI 40154
DIABETES AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
BSCI 40157
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DRUG ADDICTION
BSCI 40174
IMMUNOLOGY
BSCI 40581
ANIMAL PARASITOLOGY
Minimum Total Credit Hours:22

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Minor GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
  • Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

The following Biological Sciences (BSCI) courses may NOT be used in the elective category for majors or minors in the Department of Biological Sciences:

BSCI 10001HUMAN BIOLOGY (KBS) 3
BSCI 10002LIFE ON PLANET EARTH (KBS) 3
BSCI 10003LABORATORY EXPERIENCE IN BIOLOGY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
BSCI 10005SMALL ANIMAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY FOR VETERINARY TECHNICIANS 4
BSCI 11010FOUNDATIONAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (KBS) (KLAB) 3
BSCI 11020FOUNDATIONAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II (KBS) (KLAB) 3
BSCI 16001HORTICULTURAL BOTANY 3
BSCI 20019BIOLOGICAL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION 4
BSCI 20021BASIC MICROBIOLOGY 3
BSCI 20022BASIC MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY 1
BSCI 21010ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (KBS) (KLAB) 4
BSCI 21020ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II 4
BSCI 26002ECOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF PEST MANAGEMENT 3
BSCI 26003PLANT IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION I 3
BSCI 26004PLANT IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION II 3
BSCI 30050HUMAN GENETICS 3
BSCI 40020BIOLOGY OF AGING 3
Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Biology for Environmental Management and Conservation - Minor

The Biology for Environmental Management and Conservation minor gives students an understanding of fundamental concepts as well as broader impacts of applied biology, habitat assessment, environmental management and conservation biology in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

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Program Information for Biology for Environmental Management and Conservation - Minor

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge about environmental management, general ecology and conservation biology.
  2. Apply knowledge in the identification of plants and animals, habitat management and conservation, and their relevance to environmental management and conservation.
  3. Read scientific reports and evaluate and communicate scientific data collected in the field.
  4. Apply ecological theory to problems in conservation and environmental management.

Admissions for Biology for Environmental Management and Conservation - Minor

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Coursework

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Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Minor Requirements
BSCI 10110BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
BSCI 30360GENERAL ECOLOGY 4
BSCI 40374CONSERVATION BIOLOGY (ELR) 4
BSCI 40375ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT 4
Biology Electives, choose from the following:3-5
BSCI 30275
LOCAL FLORA (ELR)
BSCI 30277
ECONOMIC BOTANY
BSCI 30370
CLIMATE CHANGE BIOLOGY
BSCI 40170
STREAM BIOLOGY
BSCI 40222
INVASION BIOLOGY
BSCI 40364
LIMNOLOGY
BSCI 40365
FIELD METHODS IN ORNITHOLOGY (ELR)
BSCI 40368
WETLAND ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT (ELR)
BSCI 40376
TROPICAL FIELD BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION (ELR)
BSCI 40377
& BSCI 40378
PREPARATION FOR FIELD COURSE TO SOUTH AFRICA
and FIELD COURSE TO SOUTH AFRICA (ELR)
Minimum Total Credit Hours:19

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Minor GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
  • Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

The following Biological Sciences (BSCI) courses may NOT be used in the elective category for majors or minors in the Department of Biological Sciences:

BSCI 10001HUMAN BIOLOGY (KBS) 3
BSCI 10002LIFE ON PLANET EARTH (KBS) 3
BSCI 10003LABORATORY EXPERIENCE IN BIOLOGY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
BSCI 10005SMALL ANIMAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY FOR VETERINARY TECHNICIANS 4
BSCI 11010FOUNDATIONAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (KBS) (KLAB) 3
BSCI 11020FOUNDATIONAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II (KBS) (KLAB) 3
BSCI 16001HORTICULTURAL BOTANY 3
BSCI 20019BIOLOGICAL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION 4
BSCI 20021BASIC MICROBIOLOGY 3
BSCI 20022BASIC MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY 1
BSCI 21010ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (KBS) (KLAB) 4
BSCI 21020ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II 4
BSCI 26002ECOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF PEST MANAGEMENT 3
BSCI 26003PLANT IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION I 3
BSCI 26004PLANT IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION II 3
BSCI 30050HUMAN GENETICS 3
BSCI 40020BIOLOGY OF AGING 3
Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Biological Sciences - Minor

The Biological Sciences minor provides a background in fundamental principles of biology to complement other areas of study. The minor is ideal for students who want to enter non-science professions where having an understanding of biology is beneficial.

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Program Information for Biological Sciences - Minor

Coursework

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Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Prerequisite Requirements
CHEM 10060
GENERAL CHEMISTRY I (KBS)
CHEM 10061
GENERAL CHEMISTRY II (KBS)
CHEM 10062
GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB)
CHEM 10063
GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB)
MATH 11010
ALGEBRA FOR CALCULUS (KMCR)
MATH 11022
TRIGONOMETRY (KMCR)
Minor Requirements
BSCI 10110BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
BSCI 10120BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 4
BSCI 30156ELEMENTS OF GENETICS 3
BSCI 40163EVOLUTION 3
Biology (BSCI) Electives 18
Minimum Total Credit Hours:22
1

Students should consult with a biology advisor to determine the most appropriate elective courses given their disciplinary interests and career aspirations.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Minor GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
  • Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

The following Biological Sciences (BSCI) courses may NOT be used in the elective category for majors or minors in the Department of Biological Sciences:

BSCI 10001HUMAN BIOLOGY (KBS) 3
BSCI 10002LIFE ON PLANET EARTH (KBS) 3
BSCI 10003LABORATORY EXPERIENCE IN BIOLOGY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
BSCI 10005SMALL ANIMAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY FOR VETERINARY TECHNICIANS 4
BSCI 11010FOUNDATIONAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (KBS) (KLAB) 3
BSCI 11020FOUNDATIONAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II (KBS) (KLAB) 3
BSCI 16001HORTICULTURAL BOTANY 3
BSCI 20019BIOLOGICAL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION 4
BSCI 20021BASIC MICROBIOLOGY 3
BSCI 20022BASIC MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY 1
BSCI 21010ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (KBS) (KLAB) 4
BSCI 21020ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II 4
BSCI 26002ECOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF PEST MANAGEMENT 3
BSCI 26003PLANT IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION I 3
BSCI 26004PLANT IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION II 3
BSCI 30050HUMAN GENETICS 3
BSCI 40020BIOLOGY OF AGING 3
Admissions for Biological Sciences - Minor

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
    • Stark Campus

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