MS Biological Sciences at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Research-based master's programme that trains students to design, conduct and interpret biological research, from cellular and genetic levels to organismal and environmental levels. All M.S. students receive financial support.

Faculty: McCausland College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Biological Sciences | Intake: Fall | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Students choose a specialization such as stem cell and developmental biology, neurobiology, cancer biology, biology of cellular stress, plant biology, ecology, evolution or marine biology. Work includes literature study, research methodology and a research thesis that is written and orally defended.

Career pathways

Medical researcher, academic researcher, biotechnology developer, environmental scientist, pharmaceutical researcher, teacher.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Baccalaureate or higher degree in a biological-sciences-related field with at least a 3.0 GPA, plus the Graduate School entry requirements. Required documents: transcripts, 2 letters of recommendation, 1-2 page personal statement indicating programme area of interest, CV/resume, and TOEFL/IELTS scores for non-native English speakers. GRE not required; optional and needed to be eligible for certain stipend enhancements. Fall deadline: December 1 preferred, January 1 final. Admission is competitive and applicants are advised to contact prospective faculty advisers.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific. The Moore School of Business, the Arnold School of Public Health and the College of Nursing use their own applications; the Moore School charges an additional $50 application fee for graduate programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

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