Biological Sciences
The Division of Biological Sciences offers a unique integration of world-class research, award-winning graduate and undergraduate training, and outstanding community outreach. Our research mission includes the acquisition of new knowledge through basic research, and coordinated translational research to improve human health, our food supply, and our environment. Graduate training programs emphasize the excitement of discovery and the development of individual creativity and critical reasoning skills, with graduate mentors who are experts at the frontiers of their field. Because science exposure in the pre-college years is critical to the development of both scientists and informed citizens, we also offer special outreach programs for secondary school science teachers, students and citizens in Missouri.
The division offers primarily PhD degrees. General areas of research emphasis within the division include evolutionary biology, ecology and behavior; genetic, cellular, molecular and developmental biology; neurobiology and behavior; and plant sciences. Within these general areas, students may devise more specific graduate programs in, for example, plant genetics, invertebrate chemical communication or neurophysiology.
Degrees Offered
Biological Sciences, Master of Arts
On Campus
Admission criteria
Fall deadline: December 1
The Division of Biological Sciences actively recruits outstanding graduate students from both national and international pools. Selected candidates are interviewed. The best are admitted to the division for graduate study. We are interested in evidence of critical qualitative characteristics including: undergraduate research experiences and presentation of research results; ability to face and overcome obstacles; exceptional motivation, work ethic, intellectual vitality, initiative, creativity, critical thinking ability and leadership ability.
Minimum English Proficiency Requirements
| Test Type | Total Score | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
| TOEFL Internet -based | 100 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
| TOEFL Paper-based | 600 | 52 | 52 | N/A | 52 |
| IELTS Academic | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Biological Sciences Program
- Biological Sciences program application (built into the Graduate School application)
- 3 Reference letters
- Personal Statement
- Statement of previous research or scholarly experience
- Résumé
Biological Sciences, Doctor of Philosophy
On Campus
Admission criteria
Fall deadline: December 1
The Division of Biological Sciences actively recruits outstanding graduate students from both national and international pools. Selected candidates are interviewed. The best are admitted to the division for graduate study. We are interested in evidence of critical qualitative characteristics including: undergraduate research experiences and presentation of research results; ability to face and overcome obstacles; exceptional motivation, work ethic, intellectual vitality, initiative, creativity, critical thinking ability and leadership ability.
Minimum English Proficiency Requirements
| Test Type | Total Score | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
| TOEFL Internet -based | 100 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
| TOEFL Paper-based | 600 | 52 | 52 | N/A | 52 |
| IELTS Academic | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Biological Sciences Program
- Biological Sciences program application (built into the Graduate School application)
- 3 Reference letters
- Personal Statement
- Statement of previous research or scholarly experience
- Résumé