Master of Science in Conservation Biology
Available on the Jackson Campus
Purpose Statement
To provide enhanced training in Conservation Biology to students who desire to enhance their career or prepare for doctoral studies.
Program Description
Students will perform an extensive research project on which they will write their thesis. A flexible curriculum allows students to explore their specific interests. For more information, please visit the program website at www.uu.edu/msconbio.
Admission Information
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university; Official transcript(s) showing all course work, completion of baccalaureate degree(s), and all graduate credit previously attempted. Even if withdrawal occurred prior to earning credits and even if those credits do not apply to the current degree being sought, official transcripts must be sent from each institution.
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75.
- Minimum of 12 undergraduate hours in biology applicable to a biology major. Conservation biology, biology, environmental science, forestry, or related area is preferred.
- Statement of purpose (500-1000 words) which identifies your educational goals and expectations from the program, as well as your primary and secondary career objectives.
- Research topic selection (500-1000 words): Explain your rationale and interest in a particular research project and how you anticipate this particular project assisting you in your career.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Scores from GRE are required.
Retention Criteria
- Must maintain minimum 3.0 GPA
- Successful proposal defense completed during the first semester.
- Committee approval and satisfactory progress towards project completion.
Alternate List
Students who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for the Master of Science in Conservation Biology but who apply after the entering class has been filled will be placed on an alternate list and will be notified if they are selected for inclusion in the program for the upcoming academic year.
Students who are placed on the alternate list and who are not admitted will receive a refund of half of their Application Fee ($25).
Financial Information
| Application Fee |
$50 |
| Deposit |
$500 |
| Tuition/Semester hour |
$560 |
| General Student Fee |
$26/hour |
Laboratory Fees: A lab fee will be assessed for each lab course.
Deposit will be applied to your general student and laboratory fees; due May 1 or within two weeks of acceptance of your application. The deposit is 100% refundable within 20 business days of the acceptance of your application, 50% refundable between 21 and 35 days after acceptance of your application, non-refundable after 35 days of acceptance of your application). No refunds of deposits will be given after July 1.
All financial information is subject to change without notice.
Financial Assistance
Financial aid information for graduate students is available on our website at www.uu.edu/financialaid. Generally, graduate students may be eligible for Federal Direct student loans or private alternative student loans (www.uu.edu/financialaid/loans/alternative-lender-list.cfm), depending on the program of study and the eligibility of the borrower. Union University is also approved by the Department for Veterans Affairs to offer educational benefits to veterans, reservists, and dependents of veterans who qualify for Veterans Benefits. Any person who qualifies for VA Benefits should check with the Office of Student Financial Planning as soon as possible after acceptance into a graduate program. Additional external scholarship information may be obtained through fastweb.com.
Master of Science in Conservation Biology—32 hours