Advance Your Knowledge. Expand Your Impact.
Build expertise in cutting-edge biological sciences while preparing for research, teaching, or doctoral study.
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Biology at Elizabeth City State University provides advanced training in biological concepts, research methods, and laboratory techniques across multiple disciplines.
Students gain exposure to areas such as:
- Biotechnology
- Microbiology
- Cell & Molecular Biology
- Environmental Biology
With small class sizes and faculty mentorship, the program prepares graduates for career advancement or entry into doctoral programs.
Program Timeline
- Biological Sciences Track: ~2 years (full-time)
- Biology Education Track: ~3 years
- Maximum completion window: 6 years
What You’ll Gain
- Advanced laboratory and research experience
- Specialized knowledge in biological sciences
- Preparation for PhD or professional programs
- Career pathways in science, healthcare, education, and government
Program Tracks
Biological Sciences Track
- Focus on research and advanced scientific study
- Areas include microbiology, molecular biology, and biotechnology
- Ideal for students pursuing PhD programs or research careers
Biological Sciences Track
- Designed for licensed educators
- Focus on science instruction and classroom-based research
- Requires action research conducted in a school setting
Degree Requirements
| Requirement | Biological Sciences | Biology Education |
|---|---|---|
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | 36 |
| GPA Requirement | 3.0 to remain in good standing | 3.0 to remain in good standing |
| Culminating Experience | Thesis + oral defense | Action research project + defense |
- Full-time enrollment: 9 credit hours/semester
- Maximum per semester: 12 credit hours
Dual Enrollment
Permission from the student’s graduate committee must be obtained for the student to be dual-enrolled in other academic programs (undergraduate, graduate, or professional), whether at ECSU or another institution at any time during matriculation in the ECSU graduate program.
Research & Thesis
All students must complete a culminating research experience:
- Present and defend findings before a committee
- Conduct original research in a biological specialty
- Work closely with a faculty advisor
- Complete a thesis or action research project
Admission Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
– Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
– Minimum 2.5 GPA (overall and major coursework)
– Background in:
-Genetics
-Microbiology
-Chemistry, Physics, Calculus
– Official transcripts (all institutions)
– 3 letters of recommendation
– Statement of purpose (1 page)
– Completed application + fee
– Interview with program coordinator
– GRE, MCAT, or DAT (within 5 years)
– TOEFL (if applicable)
– NC teaching license
– Letter confirming classroom access for research
Course Load
Nine credit hours are required for full-time status. No more than twelve credit hours may be taken in a single semester. Note that the thesis-track Master of Science program requires original research be pursued outside of course meeting periods and an action research project to be conducted in a public school classroom. This thesis and action research project necessarily require a significant time commitment and the student must be prepared to undertake this effort.
Transfer Credits
No more than six credit hours may be transferred from other accredited institutions. Transfer credits must be approved by the student’s advisory committee. Transfer credits cannot have been completed in excess of six years prior to the time of the transfer request. Transfer course credit hours must exceed or equal the number of credit hours of the ECSU graduate course to be substituted and cannot be split between two ECSU graduate courses.
Program Support
Students receive guidance from:
- Graduate Program Coordinator
- Faculty Advisors
- Advisory Committee
Support includes:
- Academic planning
- Research direction
- Career preparation
Program Leadership
Professor, Natural Sciences | 425 Jenkins Science Center
bhirendranath@ecsu.edu | 252-335-3241
Take the Next Step
Ready to pursue a career in science, medicine, or pharmaceutical research?
