Program Description

Integrative biology is a scientific paradigm that assembles concepts and ideas across disciplines (e.g. genetics, physiology, and behavior) and scales (e.g. molecules, cells, and ecosystems) to produce a fuller understanding of the biological systems critical to human health, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability. The Master of Science with a major in Integrative Biology (MSIB) is a 30-credit hour graduate program with the option to pursue one of two concentrations - a thesis concentration or a non-thesis concentration.

Students in the thesis concentration generate a thesis based on original research. While students center their research within a particular area of biology based on faculty expertise, students are trained in an integrative paradigm through required and elective coursework, and by the structure of thesis committees where at least one of the three members is from outside the supervising professor’s subdiscipline.

The non-thesis concentration is designed for students interested in furthering their studies in professional or graduate school, advancing to higher level positions, or pursuing careers in biology or related areas where formal research experience is not required. These students will fulfill the degree requirements through elective coursework tailored to their specific interests, rather than a research thesis. At the end of their program, students will complete a summative Integrative Biology Synthesis (BIOL 7998).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Thesis Concentration:

Students who successfully complete the MS Integrative Biology program will be able to:

1. Review and interpret primary scientific literature.
2. Analyze conceptual knowledge of biology in practical contexts.
3. Build hypotheses in biology and related fields of science.
4. Demonstrate the ability to plan and manage scientific research.
5. Analyze and interpret data to evaluate scientific hypotheses.
6. Communicate scientific data and ideas, verbally and in writing, in a professional setting​.

Non-Thesis Concentration:

Students who successfully complete the MS Integrative Biology program will be able to:

1. Review and interpret primary scientific literature​.
2. Analyze conceptual knowledge of biology in practical contexts​.
3. Demonstrate the ability to plan and manage scientific research.
4. Analyze and interpret data to evaluate scientific hypotheses​.
5. Communicate scientific data and ideas, verbally and in writing, in a professional setting​.

 This program is a part of the College of Science and Mathematics .

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Admissions, Enrollment, and Graduation Criteria

Admissions Criteria

The following are program-specific criteria beyond the general Graduate Admissions  requirements. To be considered for admission to this program, the following application materials must be submitted to the KSU Graduate Admissions Office:

• A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited in a manner accepted by Kennesaw State University. The applicant’s academic transcript must demonstrate core competency in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Two letters of recommendation from a person familiar with the applicant’s potential to complete successful graduate work.
• A Statement of Purpose (no more than two, single-spaced pages) highlighting the applicant’s academic preparation, interest in biology and the MSIB program, and any other information that may be relevant to their success in the MSIB program.
  • Thesis concentration applicants must also include in their letter a description of their research interests and names of 1-3 KSU faculty that could potentially supervise their thesis research (or have already agreed to do so). We strongly encourage applicants to communicate with these KSU faculty prior to submitting their application. 

Admission Criteria for Unique Cases

Currently, there are no exceptions to the admission requirements.

Transfer Credit

Students are eligible to transfer up to 30% of total semester credit hours allowed for the degree. Credit for prior learning will not be accepted to count toward the degree.

Enrollment Criteria

This program does not have specific enrollment criteria; however, students are expected to meet the requirements of Academic Policy 4.0 ACADEMIC STANDING, DISMISSAL, & REINSTATEMENT .

Graduation Criteria

Each student is expected to meet the requirements outlined in Academic Policy 5.0 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & GRADUATION .

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Program Course Requirements