Master of Biological Sciences

Master of Science (M.S.)

Earn your master degree in Biological Sciences (MS) from Louisiana State University Shreveport and choose a thesis or non-thesis option, no GRE required!

Earn your master’s degree in biological sciences at LSU Shreveport and prepare for health care professions and research careers. With a thesis and non-thesis option, the biological sciences program offers courses and training in cellular and molecular biology, field, organismal and environmental science, as well as the health sciences. 

Why LSUS’ biological sciences program? 

The graduate experience at LSUS is hands-on and highly collaborative. Our biological sciences faculty all hold doctoral degrees and are noted researchers in their fields of study. They are also dedicated and enthusiastic teachers who will work side-by-side with you throughout your master’s program. The program leverages a number of partnerships with local organizations to offer a wide range of research opportunities, and the departments of biological sciences and chemistry/physics work closely together in both coursework and research activities. LSUS’ master’s degree in biological sciences prepares students to be competitive applicants to health and biomedical professional school programs. Graduates go on to successful careers in medicine, research, academics and industry.  

Research and experiential learning 

LSUS has a research collaboration with LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport where our students routinely conduct research. Faculty from LSUS and LSUHSC-Shreveport present details of their research as part of a medical seminar course offered each semester. We also have a strong connection with the LSU Red River Agricultural Research Station, where several of our students have undertaken research projects for their master’s degrees. Other collaborations include Northwest Regional Crime Laboratory, the new downtown aquarium, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, where students have found internships and employment.  

LSUS MSBS Admissions Requirements - No GRE Required!

Those interested in the Master of Biological Sciences at LSU Shreveport must meet the general University requirements for admission to graduate studies. GRE test scores and letters of recommendation are not required for acceptance. However, pursuing the thesis track will require a personal statement to be submitted for consideration. 

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  • Master of Science (M.S.)
  • 1-2 years for non-thesis students; 2-3 years for thesis students
  • In person
  • Thesis Option Non-Thesis Option
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Explore the Biological Sciences Master’s Degree at LSUS

The master’s degree in biological sciences covers a variety of biological specializations, with both a thesis and non-thesis option you can choose depending on your interests and career goals.  

State-of-the-art facilities 

The Department of Biological Sciences features numerous teaching and research labs equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment, including an ultracentrifuge, a high-speed refrigerated centrifuge, UV-visible spectrophotometers, a fluorescence spectrophotometer, a UPLC chromatography system, Nanodrop, Agilent electrophoresis equipment, a scanning electron microscope and tissue culture facility.  

Campus clubs and organizations 

With more than 70 clubs and organizationsyou’ll have plenty of opportunities to get involved and build your professional network at LSUSOpportunities for biological sciences graduate students include Tri Beta, (The Biological Sciences Honor Society), AED (Alpha Epsilon Delta, The Health Professional Honor Society) and MAPS (The Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students).  

Financial aid for biological sciences graduate students 

More than $12.4 million in scholarship money is awarded to LSUS students each year. Take some time to explore the types of financial aid you could qualify for. 

69%

M.S. in Biological Sciences graduates (since 2012) who are successfully employed or entered into scientific/health-related professional schools.

100%

Health sciences concentration (non-thesis) graduates who successfully pass the exit exam.

Master of Science in Biological Sciences Thesis Option

Master of Biological Sciences Concentration

The thesis option offers a basic science approach to the study of any one or a combination of the following concentrations:  

The thesis option does require a personal statement to be submitted for acceptance. However, GRE scores and recommendation letters are not required.

Master of Science in Biological Sciences Non-Thesis Option

Master of Biological Sciences Concentration

The non-thesis option offers a health sciences concentration. This option is designed for students preparing for careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or biomedical sciences. 

No GRE, letters or personal statements are required for the non-thesis option.

Where Can a Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences from LSUS Take You?

LSUS biological sciences master’s degree alumni have gone on to top doctoral programs, careers in environmental science, research and industry. Career and graduate school pathways for some of our recent graduates include:  

  • Medical school 
  • Marine biology research 
  • Environmental law 
  • Eco housing development 
  • Veterinary school  
  • Forensics 
  • Academia 
  • Field biology 
  • Doctoral research  
  • Dental school 
  • Physician assistant programs 

Thinking about earning your master’s degree in biological sciences? You might also be interested in these graduate programs at LSUS.   

 

LSUS also offers a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences. Find out more.

Biological Sciences Faculty

Chris Gissendanner, PhD

Chair
Office: SC 104
Phone: 318-795-2466
chris.gissendanner@lsus.edu
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Santosh D’Mello, PhD

Professor
Office: Science Building, Room 104A
Phone: 318-795-2417
Santosh.DMello@lsus.edu
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Stephanie Aamodt, PhD

Professor
Office: Science Building, Room 114A
Phone: 318-797-5214
stephanie.aamodt@lsus.edu
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Stephen Banks, PhD

Professor
Office: SB 216
Phone: 318-797-5220
stephen.banks@lsus.edu
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Matyas Buzgo, PhD

Associate Professor
Office: Science Building, Room 115C
Phone: 318-797-5120
matyas.buzgo@lsus.edu
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Marisa Connell, PhD

Assistant Professor
Office: SB 210
Phone:
Marisa.Connell@lsus.edu
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Amy Erickson, PhD

Associate Professor
Office: Science Building, Room 125
Phone: 318-797-5105
amy.erickson@lsus.edu
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Amanda Lewis, PhD

Director of Sponsored Research and Technology Transfer
Office: Administration Building, Room 245
Phone: 318-795-4237
amanda.lewis@lsus.edu
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Michael Maguigan, PhD

Director of the Red River Watershed Management Institute
Office: Science Building, Room 121A
Phone: 318-797-5041
mike.maguigan@lsus.edu
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Camila Muller, MS

Visting Instructor of Biology
Office: SC 115B
Phone:
camila.muller@lsus.edu
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Stuart Nielsen, PhD

Assistant Professor
Office: Science 220
Phone: 318-797-2413
stuart.nielsen@lsus.edu
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Vonny Salim, PhD

Assistant Professor
Office: Science Building, Room 212
Phone: 318-797-5228
vonny.salim@lsus.edu
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Peter Siska, PhD

Professor
Office: Science Building, Room 101
Phone: 318-797-5073
peter.siska@lsus.edu
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Stephanie Villalba, PhD

Assistant Professor
Office: Science Building, Room 216
Phone: 318-797-5157
stephanie.villalba@lsus.edu
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What career can I have with a master's in biological sciences degree from LSUS?