About this Program

The curriculum for the Master of Science program is developed around one's interests such as: botany, ecology, immunology, infectious diseases, marine biology, microbiology, physiology, reproductive biology, systematic biology, and zoology. In addition, there are two specially designed concentration areas in “Medical Microbiology & Immunology” and “One Health”.

Program Highlights

  • We have the Kaplan Orchid Conservatory and excellent opportunities for research and instruction off-campus at field research sites including: Blackwater Ecological Preserve, Virginia Coast Reserve-Long Term Ecological Research Site Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences Eastern Shore Marine Laboratory DNA sequencing capabilities Confocal Microscopy Other regional agencies and facilities

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Graduate
Degree Earned
Master of Science
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from 鶹ý's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the . A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Biologists

$84,060 Median Salary

Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

$93,010 Median Salary

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

$96,070 Median Salary

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities. Includes physicians, dentists, public health specialists, pharmacologists, and medical pathologists who primarily conduct research.

Biological Scientists, All Other

$80,200 Median Salary

All biological scientists not listed separately.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Biology at 鶹ý?
Students entering the Master of Science program in Biology should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.

Students must first declare the biology teacher preparation track as their major with the appropriate advisor. All students must apply for and be admitted into the approved biology teacher preparation program. Students must meet the required criteria for admission by passing the Virginia Board of Education prescribed assessments and earn the minimum required grade point averages (GPA).

  • A bachelor's degree in biology or a related field from an accredited college or university

  • Transcripts for all college-level courses

  • Two letters of recommendation; letters should be on official letterhead and must be signed. References e-mail should be a professional e-mail address.

  • An essay describing the area of biology of interest for graduate study, professional goals and motivation for graduate study in biology.

  • Written acknowledgment from a Department of Biological Sciences faculty member agreeing to serve as the student's major advisor, if the student is accepted. The applicant does not submit anything to 鶹ý Admissions Office about the advisor---the Faculty member will notify the Graduate Program Director of their willingness to be your advisor

  • Application form and application fee. Submission of application materials Submit all materials to the Office of Admissions (applicants from USA schools) or the Office of International Admissions

For Admission to the Biology Program

GPA

A grade point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.

Cost of Attendance

We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance. 

Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $620
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $642
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,486

Ways to Fund Your Degree

There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending 鶹ý, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

Graduate Teaching Assistantships are awarded on an annual basis and includes a stipend; and when possible, tuition may be part of the award.

Graduate Research Assistantships

Graduate Research Assistantships may be provided by individual faculty from their grants and contracts.

Scholarships

ճ  Virginia S. Bagley Endowed Scholarship is made possible by Mrs. Bagley's estate and is awarded to a graduate student in the Department of Biological Sciences. ճ  Harold G. Marshall and Vivian J. Marshall Scholarship in Biology is awarded to a full-time graduate student who demonstrates scholarship and/or service in the area of Biological Science with a specific concentration in ecological areas.

Tuition Support

Tuition Support is awarded each semester and in the summer session with deadlines announced in advance. Awards are made based on student performance and need and may cover only a portion or all tuition costs.

Contact

Professor

110 MILLS GODWIN BLDG
NORFOLK, 23529