The minimum requirement for admission to the master of science degree program is a baccalaureate degree with a major in an area of biological sciences or in a closely related field such as biochemistry or biophysics. The baccalaureate degree should have courses equivalent to those required for the B.S. degree at NIU, including organismal diversity; two semesters of principles of biology, and genetics; chemistry through one year of organic; one year of physics; and mathematics through introductory calculus. Such courses not completed before admission to the Graduate School, as well as other undergraduate courses deemed appropriate to the pursuit of the master’s degree in a particular specialty in biological sciences, may be required and must be taken early in the student’s program. Students with deficiencies may find that the total number of semester hours required exceeds that stated under the requirements for the degree/specialization.

Although applicants are not required to submit scores other than the GRE General Test score required for admission to the Graduate School, the submission of scores on either the GRE Subject Test in biology or biochemistry, or on the MCAT, could enhance their application.

Area(s) of Emphasis:

  • Specialization in Bioinformatics
  • Specialization in Human Anatomical Sciences
  • Concentration in Biochemistry