Western Kentucky University
Online/Alternative Delivery Master of Science Program in Biology
Frequently Asked Questions

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How Do I Apply?
You apply through the Office of Graduate Studies and Research.  It is helpful if you note that you are particularly interested in the online program so that your information gets sent to the appropriate advisor.

How is the online degree different from a “regular” Master of Science in Biology?
It isn’t – the application process is the same, the core courses and many of the elective courses are the same, the diploma is the same.  The only difference is that the courses constituting the degree are taken online.

How much does it cost?
See the Tuition and Fees link from WKU’s homepage (www.wku.edu)

Can I just take some classes without entering the program?
Yes, you can take up to 9 hours without formally entering a graduate program at WKU.  However, as soon as you know you want to complete a graduate degree at WKU, you should go ahead and apply so that you can discuss your course options and requirements with your advisor. 

Do I have to take the GRE?
Not if you’re just going to take a few classes (up to 9 hours – see previous question).  Yes, if you want to be admitted to the M.S. program.

What GRE score to I have to have to enter the program?/What are the Admission Requirements for the program?
Refer to the Biology homepage and click on Biology Degrees, followed by Graduate Degree Programs in Biology for Admission Requirements, including the minimum GAP score (GPA x GRE score) required. 

Do I have to take the Subject GRE or can I just take the General GRE?
We only require the General GRE.

Is there a deadline to apply?
Check with the Office of Graduate Studies and Research, but typically allow for 2-4 weeks prior to the start of the semester.  You can start any semester – fall, spring, summer, or winter.

How many hours are required to graduate?
30 hours + a research tool course (3 hours) = total of 33 hours.

What courses are required?
Required Core Courses for the program are:

• BIOL 500 3.0 hrs.  Introduction to Graduate Studies and Research in Biology (recommended to take in the first semester)
• BIOL 598 2.0 hrs.  Graduate Seminar (recommended to take in the last semester)
• BIOL 601 1.0  hr. Internship in College Instruction
• BIOL 599 6.0 hrs. Thesis Research & Writing (Plan A only) OR
• BIOL 516 3.0 hrs. Investigations in Biology (Plan B only)

BIOL 550 Biological Applications in Homeland Security
This is a multidisciplinary course that will only count toward the Master of Science in Homeland Security Sciences.  It will not count for the Master of Science in Biology.

Thesis or Non-thesis?
You can choose the Thesis or Non-Thesis option.

What type of research does the Non-Thesis option involve?
Usually a library research project instead of lab or field-based research.

What courses are currently being (or have recently been) offered?
Go to www.wku.edu then click "Schedule of Classes" under the More Links heading. Choose the term you want to look at and the next page will give you additional parameters, ex. you should choose Biology (Univ) as the subject. There will usually be notes on the schedule about short courses. Web courses will say "Web" for the location.

How do I know which courses are online?
Web courses will say “Web” for the location and usually are designated by section numbers (not course numbers) 700 and above.  Graduate course numbers are 400G and above. 

Are the online courses completely online? (Am I required to come to campus for any part of the course?  Proctored tests, etc.?)
There will often be notes on the schedule about any on-campus or proctoring requirements local to you, but it is best to check with each instructor/professor to be sure.

Can I take “regular” (face-to-face) courses as well?
Certainly!  You can choose from any of the courses offered in the department, including study abroad courses.

How many “400G” courses can I take?
The Program of Study must not include more than twelve (12) credit hours at the 4xxG-level.  All other courses, except the research tool, must be at the 500 level or higher.

If I have little or no background in Biology, can I still enter the program?
Technically, you can take up to 9 hours without having any Biology background.  However, it is recommended that you have roughly the equivalent of a minor in Biology (~18-24 hrs.) to enter the graduate program in Biology.  For example, you wouldn’t want to take a graduate level Advanced Ecology course without first having had an undergraduate level Ecology course. 

Can I get certified to teach with this degree?
This is not a certification degree.  The Education Department offers an Alternative Certification Program in Biology in which students receive a Master of Arts in Education degree and certification in the process.

Will I be qualified to teach at the college level with this degree?
You will qualified to teach a subject in Biology (ex. Introductory Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology are common courses to teach, although many other courses are possible to teach) at the college level.  The minimum qualifications that most universities, colleges, and community colleges include having a master’s degree including 18 hours of graduate courses in the subject, ex. biology, in which you plan to teach.  These requirements are set forth by each college's accreditation agency, for example the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) for our area.  Always contact the schools at which you are interested in teaching to ask what their minimum qualifications are for available positions (ex. full-time, part-time, adjunct, faculty vs. staff).

How should I write my “Statement of Purpose,” which is required by the Office of Graduate Studies and Research with the application?
Your Statement of Purpose should be about a page in length.  In the Statement of Purpose, you should include your career goals, what specific area of Biology you are interested in and why, whether you prefer to take the majority of your courses online or on campus, and possibly your background and anything else you want to include.  This statement is often used to assign you to the proper advisor.  

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