This program provides advanced training for college graduates or professionals seeking careers in the biomedical research, biotechnology, neuroscience or biodefense, as well as evolutionary and animal biology, animal biology and biology teaching. Master's level concentrations are available in microbiology and infectious disease, molecular biology, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and translational and clinical research. Alternatively, students may choose the program in general biological sciences, which allows flexibility to build a degree program tailored to a specific research or career interest.
Admissions
University-wide admissions policies can be found in the Graduate Admissions Policies section of this catalog. International students and students having earned international degrees should also refer to Admission of International Students for additional requirements.
Eligibility
While each applicant's qualifications are reviewed as a whole, the following are required: Applicants to the program must have a bachelor's degree in biology or other relevant fields from an institution of higher education accredited by a Mason-recognized U.S. institutional accrediting agency or international equivalent. Additionally, all MS concentrations require a GPA of 3.00 in biology coursework or in the last 60 credits of undergraduate study.
Previous research experience or relevant employment is a plus.
Admission is contingent upon acceptance by a faculty research advisor.
Evolutionary Biology (EB) Concentration Applicants
Students who choose the Evolutionary Biology concentration must also submit a personal statement/statement of interest consistent with at least one faculty member's research program.
Microbiology and Infectious Disease (MID) Concentration Applicants
Students who choose the Microbiology and Infectious Disease concentration must also have a lecture and lab course in microbiology and a lecture course in biochemistry.
Application Requirements
To apply for this program, prospective students should submit the George Mason University Admissions Application and its required supplemental documentation, a goals statement, and two letters of recommendation.
The GRE is not required for admission into this program.
Policies
For policies governing all graduate programs, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
Transferring Previous Graduate Credit into this Program
Previously earned and relevant graduate credits may be eligible for transfer into this program; details can be found in the Credit by Exam or Transfer section of this catalog.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 30
Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.
Candidates for the Biology, MS must complete the Core Courses and may choose one concentration or the MS without concentration requirements, detailed below, for a total of 30 credits (minimum).
Program of Study
The faculty advisor and the student work together to develop a program of study that best fits the student's background and interests. The student must submit a program of study to the program director for approval within the first 12 credits of coursework. By the end of the second semester of coursework, students will form a graduate committee made up of three faculty members. At least two committee members must be full-time faculty in the School of Systems Biology.
Students must complete all core courses and choose one concentration option:
Core Courses
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Cell and Molecular Requirement | 3 | |
Advanced Eukaryotic Cell Biology | ||
or BIOS 744 | Molecular Genetics | |
Professional Methods Requirement | 4 | |
Introduction to Graduate Studies in Biology | ||
Choose one from the following: | ||
Interdisciplinary Tools in the Biosciences | ||
Current Topics in Biology 1 | ||
or BIOS 702 | Research Methods | |
Research Methods | ||
Seminar Requirement | 3 | |
Select a total of 3 credits from the following courses: | ||
Colloquium in Bioinformatics | ||
Seminar in Biology (may be repeated) 2 | ||
Seminar in Molecular, Microbial, and Cellular Biology (may be repeated) 3 | ||
Topics in Biosciences | ||
Systems Biology/Evolution Requirement | 3 | |
Current Topics in Biology 4 | ||
or BIOL 502 | Adaptation in Biosystems | |
or BMED 604 | Fundamentals of Human Physiology | |
Research Requirement | 2-6 | |
Students have the option to complete a 2-3 credit research project (BIOL 798 Master's Research Project) or a 3-5 credit master's thesis (BIOL 799 Thesis). In accordance with AP.6 Graduate Policies, the same quality of work is expected of students regardless of which option they choose. | ||
Research Project: The MS project is most appropriate for students who have scheduling commitments, such as a full-time job, that may preclude performing a complete series of laboratory experiments. Students pursuing the project option must successfully complete written and oral comprehensive exams. Additionally, students should present their research orally or as a poster to a community outside of the classroom, at Mason conferences or at external conferences. | ||
Thesis: In general, the MS thesis is most appropriate for students planning or considering a research career. Students pursuing the thesis option must write a formal thesis that meets the requirements of the school and must defend their thesis and present their results in a public seminar. | ||
Select a Research Project or a Master's Thesis | ||
Master's Research Project (2-3 credits) | ||
Thesis (3-5 credits) | ||
Total Credits | 15-19 |
- 1
When the topic is "Research Methods," or "Creativity and Innovation," or "Principles of Biomedical Literature Review".
- 2
May be taken up to two times in this program under different topics.
- 3
May be taken up to six times in this program under different topics.
- 4
BIOL 691 Current Topics in Biology is permissible when the topic is "Fun Concepts of Evolution".
- 5
Available only to students in the Advanced Biomedical Sciences Graduate Certificate.
MS without Concentration
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
General Coursework | 12 | |
In consultation with an advisor, select at least 12 credits of graduate coursework from BIOL, BIOS, BMED, or NEUR-prefixed courses. Suggestions include: | ||
Selected Topics in Animal Biology 1 | ||
Advanced Topics in Immunology | ||
Cancer Genomics | ||
Advanced Topics in Molecular Genetics 2 | ||
Selected Topics in Genetics | ||
Molecular Evolution and Conservation Genetics | ||
General Biochemistry | ||
Eukaryotic Cell Biology Laboratory | ||
Signal Transduction in Cancer | ||
Directed Studies in Biology 3 | ||
or BINF 795 | Bioinformatics Internship | |
Research in Biology | ||
Laboratory Methods in Functional Genomics and Biotechnology | ||
Genomics | ||
Biotechnology | ||
Genomics, Proteomics, and Bioinformatics | ||
Molecular Genetics | ||
Molecular Evolution | ||
Fundamentals of Human Physiology 4 | ||
Total Credits: | 30 |
- 1
Suggested section topics: "Research and Development in a Biotechnology Company," "Biology of Obesity and Weight Loss," "Human Anatomy," or "Medical Biochemistry". Other relevant topics may only be applied toward the degree with advisor approval.
- 2
When the topic is "Epigenetics".
- 3
- No more than 3 credits of directed study or internship can be applied.
- Topics should be relevant and approved by the program director.
- 4
Course is only available for students also enrolled in the Advanced Biomedical Sciences Graduate Certificate.
Concentration in Evolutionary Biology (EB)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Populations and Species | 3-6 | |
Select 3-6 credits from the following: | ||
Population Genetics | ||
Molecular Evolution and Conservation Genetics | ||
or BIOS 767 | Molecular Evolution | |
Population Ecology | ||
Current Topics in Biology | ||
Organismal Biology | 3-6 | |
Select 3-6 credits from the following: | ||
Microbial Diversity: An Organismal Approach | ||
Selected Topics in Ecology | ||
Selected Topics in Animal Biology | ||
Conservation Biology | ||
Planetary Health | ||
Animal Behavior | ||
Selected Topics in Plant Biology | ||
Ornithology | ||
Mammalogy | ||
Herpetology | ||
Tropical Ecosystems | ||
Fungi and Ecosystems | ||
Cancer Genomics | ||
Estuarine and Coastal Ecology | ||
Estuarine and Coastal Ecology Laboratory | ||
Microbial Ecology | ||
The Diversity of Fishes | ||
Molecular Techniques | 3-4 | |
Select 3-4 credits from the following: | ||
Directed Studies in Biology 1 | ||
or BINF 795 | Bioinformatics Internship | |
Bioinformatics Methods | ||
Methods in Evolutionary Biology | ||
Molecular Environmental Biology I | ||
Molecular Environmental Biology II | ||
Electives | 2-6 | |
If needed in order to reach a total of 30 credits, select from the following courses: 2 | ||
Directed Studies in Biology 1 | ||
or BINF 795 | Bioinformatics Internship | |
Genomics | ||
Any additional course listed in the Core Courses section | ||
Total Credits: | 30 |
- 1
- No more than 3 credits of directed study or internship can be applied to this concentration.
- Topics should be relevant to the concentration and should be approved by the program director.
- 2
Other relevant graduate-level coursework may be selected in consultation with the advisor.
Concentration in Microbiology and Infectious Disease (MID)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Microbiology and Infectious Diseases | 12 | |
In consultation with an advisor, select 12 credits from the following: | ||
Topics in Bioinformatics 1 | ||
Advanced Topics in Immunology | ||
Virology | ||
Emerging Infectious Diseases | ||
Directed Studies in Biology 2 | ||
Pathogenic Microbiology | ||
Microbial Physiology | ||
Electives | 0-3 | |
If needed to reach a total of 30 credits, select from the following courses: | ||
Selected Topics in Animal Biology 3 | ||
Infectious Diseases of Wildlife | ||
Techniques in Virology | ||
General Biochemistry | ||
Techniques in Microbial Pathogenesis | ||
Biotechnology | ||
Any additional course listed in the Core Courses section | ||
Total Credits: | 30 |
- 1
When the topic is "Computational Analysis: Viral Genomes".
- 2
- No more than 3 credits of directed study can be applied to this concentration.
- Topics should be relevant to the concentration and should be approved by the program director.
- 3
When the topic is "Water and Disease".
Concentration in Molecular Biology (MOB)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Molecular Biology | 12 | |
In consultation with an advisor, select 12 credits from the following: | ||
Selected Topics in Animal Biology 1 | ||
or BIOL 583 | General Biochemistry | |
Advanced Topics in Molecular Genetics | ||
Molecular Evolution and Conservation Genetics | ||
or BIOS 767 | Molecular Evolution | |
Computer Applications for the Life Sciences | ||
or BINF 630 | Bioinformatics Methods | |
General Biochemistry | ||
Eukaryotic Cell Biology Laboratory | ||
Cell-Based Assays | ||
Directed Studies in Biology 2 | ||
or BINF 795 | Bioinformatics Internship | |
Systems Biology | ||
Methods in Evolutionary Biology | ||
Biotechnology | ||
or BINF 633 | Molecular Biotechnology | |
Topics in Bioinformatics | ||
Molecular Neuropharmacology | ||
Electives | 0-3 | |
If needed to reach a total of 30 credits, select from the following courses: | ||
Biomolecular Modeling | ||
Directed Studies in Biology 2 | ||
or BINF 795 | Bioinformatics Internship | |
Genomics | ||
Special Topics in Neuroscience 3 | ||
or NEUR 689 | Topics in Neuroscience | |
General Biochemistry II | ||
Protein Biochemistry | ||
Any additional course listed in the Core Courses section | ||
Total Credits: | 30 |
- 1
When the topic is "Research and Development in a Biotechnology Company," or "Medical Biochemistry".
- 2
- No more than 3 credits of directed study or internship can be applied to this concentration.
- Topics should be relevant to the concentration and should be approved by the program director.
- 3
When the topic is "Glutamatergic Systems" or "Epigenetics".
Concentration in Neuroscience (NEUR)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Statistics | 3 | |
Select 3 credits from the following: | ||
Introduction to Bioinformatics Methods | ||
Bioinformatics Methods | ||
Biological Data Analysis | ||
Current Topics in Biology 1 | ||
Analysis of Experimental Data | ||
Applied Probability | ||
Applied Statistics I | ||
Neurobiology | 9 | |
In consultation with an advisor, select 9 credits from the following, at least 6 of which must be in NEUR-prefixed courses: | ||
Selected Topics in Animal Biology 2 | ||
Advanced Topics in Molecular Genetics 3 | ||
Directed Studies in Biology 4 | ||
or BINF 795 | Bioinformatics Internship | |
Special Topics in Neuroscience | ||
Developmental Neuroscience | ||
Cellular Neuroscience | ||
Mammalian Neuroanatomy | ||
Bioscience, Neurotechnology Society | ||
Synaptic Plasticity | ||
Neural Modeling | ||
Molecular Neuropharmacology | ||
Topics in Neuroscience (any topic is allowed; may be repeated) | ||
Neuroscience Laboratory | ||
Neuroscience Seminars | ||
Special Topics in Neuroscience | ||
Computational Neurobiology | ||
Introduction to Neuroimaging | ||
Electives | 0-3 | |
If needed to reach a total of 30 credits, select from the following: | ||
General Biochemistry | ||
Current Topics in Biology 5 | ||
or BIOS 743 | Genomics, Proteomics, and Bioinformatics | |
Directed Studies in Biology 4 | ||
or BINF 795 | Bioinformatics Internship | |
Any additional NEUR-prefixed course at the 500-700 levels | ||
Other relevant graduate-level coursework may be selected in consultation with the advisor | ||
Total Credits: | 30 |
- 1
When the topic is "MATLAB for Brain, Biological, and Cognitive Scientists".
- 2
When the topic is "Biology of Obesity and Weight Loss".
- 3
When the topic is "Epigenetics".
- 4
- No more than 3 credits of directed study or internship can be applied to this concentration.
- Topics should be relevant to the concentration and should be approved by the program director.
- 5
When the topic is "Genomics, Proteomics, and Bioinformatics".
Concentration in Nutrition Genetics and Nutraceuticals (NGN)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Nutrition | 6 | |
In consultation with an advisor, choose 6 credits from the following: | ||
Selected Topics in Animal Biology 1 | ||
Nutrition Across the Lifespan | ||
Nutrients | ||
Nutrition Assessment | ||
Nutrition Research Methods | ||
Human Diseases | 6 | |
In consultation with an advisor, choose 6 credits from the following: | ||
Selected Topics in Animal Biology (when the topic is "Medical Biochemistry") | ||
Cancer Genomics | ||
or BIOL 667 | Signal Transduction in Cancer | |
Medical Biochemistry | ||
Human Genetics Concepts for Health Care | ||
Genomics, Proteomics, and Bioinformatics | ||
Medical Nutrition Therapy I | ||
Electives | ||
If needed to reach a total of 30 credits, select from the following courses: | ||
Selected Topics in Animal Biology 2 | ||
Personalized Medicine | ||
Advanced Topics in Molecular Genetics | ||
General Biochemistry | ||
Directed Studies in Biology 3 | ||
or BINF 795 | Bioinformatics Internship | |
General Biochemistry II | ||
Any additional course listed in the Core Courses section | ||
Total Credits | 30 |
- 1
When the topic is "Biology of Obesity and Weight Loss," or "Medical Biochemistry".
- 2
When the topic is "Research and Development in Biotechnology Companies".
- 3
- No more than 3 credits of directed study or internship can be applied to this concentration.
- Topics should be relevant to the concentration and should be approved by the program director.
Concentration in Translational and Clinical Research (TCR)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Translational and Clinical Research 1 | 12 | |
In consultation with an advisor, select 12 credits from the following: | ||
Selected Topics in Animal Biology 2 | ||
Personalized Medicine | ||
Cancer Genomics | ||
Human Genetics Concepts for Health Care | ||
Signal Transduction in Cancer | ||
Current Topics in Biology 3 | ||
or BIOS 743 | Genomics, Proteomics, and Bioinformatics | |
Directed Studies in Biology 4 | ||
or BINF 795 | Bioinformatics Internship | |
Cell Biology and Microscopic Anatomy 5 | ||
Fundamentals of Human Physiology 5 | ||
Introduction to Human Anatomy 5 | ||
Electives | 0-3 | |
If needed to reach a total of 30 credits, select from the following courses: | ||
Selected Topics in Animal Biology 6 | ||
Advanced Topics in Molecular Genetics | ||
Directed Studies in Biology 4 | ||
or BINF 795 | Bioinformatics Internship | |
Genomics | ||
Any additional course listed in the Core Courses section | ||
Other relevant graduate-level coursework may be selected in consultation with the advisor | ||
Total Credits: | 30 |
- 1
For students concurrently enrolled in the Advanced Biomedical Sciences Graduate Certificate, contact your advisor for details regarding:
- BMED course credit that may be counted towards this concentration
- Meeting the requirements for graduate certificates and for master's degrees
- 2
When the topic is "Research and Development in a Biotechnology Company," "Biology of Obesity and Weight Loss," or "Medical Biochemistry".
- 3
When the topic is "Genomics/Proteomics/Bioinformatics".
- 4
- No more than 3 credits of directed study or internship can be applied to this concentration.
- Topics should be relevant to the concentration and should be approved by the program director.
- 5
Course is only available for students enrolled in the Advanced Biomedical Sciences Graduate Certificate.
- 6
When the topic is "Research and Development in a Biotechnology Company".
Biology, BS/Biology, Accelerated MS
Overview
This bachelor's/accelerated master's degree program allows academically strong undergraduates with a commitment to advance their education to obtain both the Biology, BS and the Biology, MS degrees within an accelerated timeframe. Upon completion of this 138 credit accelerated program, students will be exceptionally well prepared for entry into their careers or into a doctoral program in the field or in a related discipline.
Students are eligible to apply for this accelerated program once they have earned at least 60 undergraduate credits and can enroll in up to 18 credits of graduate coursework after successfully completing 75 undergraduate credits. This flexibility makes it possible for students to complete a bachelor's and a master's in five years.
For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies. For more information on undergraduates enrolling in graduate courses, see AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates.
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies section of this catalog.
Important application information and processes for this accelerated master's program can be found here.
Students should seek out the graduate program's advisor who will aid in choosing the appropriate graduate courses and help prepare the student for graduate studies.
Three letters of recommendation, including one from a prospective thesis or project advisor, are required.
GRE scores are not required for students in this accelerated program.
Successful applicants will have an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.10. Additionally, they will have completed the following courses with a GPA of 3.00 or higher2:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
BIOL 213 | Cell Structure and Function (Mason Core) | 4 |
BIOL 214 | Biostatistics for Biology Majors | 4 |
BIOL 300 | BioDiversity 1 | 4 |
or BIOL 311 | General Genetics | |
CHEM 313 & CHEM 315 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Lab I 2 | 5 |
- 1
Students should speak with an advisor to choose the course most appropriate for their post-graduation goals.
- 2
Grades of 2.50 in CHEM 313 and CHEM 315 are acceptable for admission into this accelerated pathway.
Accelerated Option Requirements
After the completion of 75 undergraduate credits, students may complete 3 to 12 credits of graduate coursework that can apply to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.
In addition to applying to graduate from the undergraduate program, students in the accelerated program must submit a bachelor's/accelerated master's transition form (available from the Office of the University Registrar) to the College of Science's Office of Academic and Student Affairs by the last day to add classes of their final undergraduate semester. Students should enroll for courses in the master's program in the fall or spring semester immediately following conferral of the bachelor's degree, but should contact an advisor if they would like to defer up to one semester.
Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher in all graduate coursework and should consult with their faculty advisor to coordinate their academic goals.
Reserve Graduate Credit
Accelerated master's students may also take up to 6 graduate credits as reserve graduate credits. These credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree, but will reduce the master's degree by up to 6 credits. With 12 graduate credits counted toward the undergraduate and graduate degrees plus the maximum 6 reserve graduate credits, the credits necessary for the graduate degree can be reduced by up to 18.
Graduate Course Suggestions
The following list of suggested courses is provided for general reference. To ensure an efficient route to graduation and post-graduation readiness, students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor before registering for graduate-level courses.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
BIOL 508 | Selected Topics in Animal Biology (When the topic is "Research and Development in a Biotechnological Company") | 1-4 |
BIOL 682 | Advanced Eukaryotic Cell Biology | 3 |
BIOL 689 | Interdisciplinary Tools in the Biosciences | 3 |
BIOL 690 | Introduction to Graduate Studies in Biology | 1-2 |
BIOL 695 | Seminar in Molecular, Microbial, and Cellular Biology | 1 |
Neuroscience, BS/Biology, Accelerated MS
Overview
This bachelor's/accelerated master's degree program allows academically strong undergraduates with a commitment to advance their education to obtain both the Neuroscience, BS and the Biology, MS degrees within an accelerated timeframe. Upon completion of this 138 credit accelerated program, students will be exceptionally well prepared for entry into their careers or into a doctoral program in the field or in a related discipline.
Students are eligible to apply for this accelerated program once they have earned at least 60 undergraduate credits and can enroll in up to 18 credits of graduate coursework after successfully completing 75 undergraduate credits. This flexibility makes it possible for students to complete a bachelor's and a master's in five years.
For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies. For more information on undergraduates enrolling in graduate courses, see AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates.
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies section of this catalog.
Important application information and processes for this accelerated master's program can be found here.
Students should seek out the graduate program's advisor who will aid in choosing the appropriate graduate courses and help prepare the student for graduate studies.
GRE scores are not required for students in this accelerated program.
Students must obtain a graduate faculty advisor prior to beginning graduate coursework.
Successful applicants will have an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.10. Two letters of recommendation, including one from a prospective thesis or project advisor, are required. Additionally, they will have completed2 the following courses with a GPA of 3.001 or higher:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
BIOL 213 | Cell Structure and Function (Mason Core) | 4 |
One Course in Statistics: | 3-4 | |
Biostatistics for Biology Majors | ||
or STAT 250 | Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | |
or PSYC 300 | Statistics in Psychology | |
or MATH 352 | Statistics | |
BIOL 311 | General Genetics | 4 |
CHEM 313 & CHEM 315 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Lab I 1 | 5 |
NEUR 327 | Cellular Neuroscience 2 | 3 |
- 1
Grades of 2.50 in CHEM 313 Organic Chemistry I and CHEM 315 Organic Chemistry Lab I are acceptable for admission into this accelerated pathway.
- 2
Registration in, as opposed to completion of, NEUR 327 Cellular Neuroscience is sufficient.
Accelerated Option Requirements
After the completion of 75 undergraduate credits, students may complete 3 to 12 credits of graduate coursework that can apply to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.
In addition to applying to graduate from the undergraduate program, students in the accelerated program must submit a bachelor's/accelerated master's transition form (available from the Office of the University Registrar) to the College of Science's Office of Academic and Student Affairs by the last day to add classes of their final undergraduate semester. Students should enroll for courses in the master's program in the fall or spring semester immediately following conferral of the bachelor's degree, but should contact an advisor if they would like to defer up to one semester.
Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher in all graduate coursework and should consult with their faculty advisor to coordinate their academic goals.
Reserve Graduate Credit
Accelerated master's students may also take up to 6 graduate credits as reserve graduate credits. These credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree, but will reduce the master's degree by up to 6 credits. With 12 graduate credits counted toward the undergraduate and graduate degrees plus the maximum 6 reserve graduate credits, the credits necessary for the graduate degree can be reduced by up to 18.
Graduate Course Suggestions
The following list of suggested courses is provided for general reference. To ensure an efficient route to graduation and post-graduation readiness, students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor before registering for graduate-level courses.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
BIOL 682 | Advanced Eukaryotic Cell Biology | 3 |
BIOL 689 | Interdisciplinary Tools in the Biosciences | 3 |
BIOL 690 | Introduction to Graduate Studies in Biology | 1-2 |
BIOL 695 | Seminar in Molecular, Microbial, and Cellular Biology | 1 |
NEUR 612 | Bioscience, Neurotechnology Society | 3 |
NEUR 601 | Developmental Neuroscience | 3 |
NEUR 602 | Cellular Neuroscience | 3 |
NEUR 603 | Mammalian Neuroanatomy | 3 |
NEUR 634 | Neural Modeling | 3 |
NEUR 651 | Molecular Neuropharmacology | 3 |