Master of Science in Zoology

The Zoology Department offers M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs that emphasize original research and advanced training in ecology & ecosystem studies, environmental toxicology, genetics, evolution & population biology, fisheries & aquaculture, wildlife administration & management and wildlife ecology & management. Our Ph.D. students can gain experience in teaching at the college level through the Graduate Instructor Program. Interactions with other SIUC departments provide extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary studies.

2.7 (on a grading scale with 4.0=A, approximately a B- average) on the last two years of Bachelor's coursework, 3.0 on all previous graduate work (approximately a B average). An applicant was awarded a Master's degree at an accredited college/university in the United States and has been in residence in the United States continuously prior to application to SIU (not out of the country for more than one calendar year). You have a minimum of 60 graded (A, B, C) hours of recent coursework completed at an accredited college / university in the United States with continuous residence in the United States prior to application at SIU. Pass / Fail, Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory, or Proficiency credit is not acceptable. The English language requirement may be met by submitting: 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 80 on the internet-based TOEFL, 6.5 on the IELTS
It is not necessary that applicants have an undergraduate major in zoology. However the following academic background is required:

24 semester hours (or equivalent) in courses covering the basic principles of zoology (including animal diversity, ecology, and evolution),
9 credit hours of physical sciences (physics, chemistry, soil science, geology at least 2 disciplines must be represented),
one year of college mathematics including college algebra and trigonometry (calculus and statistics are also desirable),
be within 9 credit hours of meeting class requirements for a Certified Wildlife Biologist ,
an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0).
Once a student's application file is complete (including all letters of recommendation, transcripts, and GRE scores), it is reviewed by several Zoology faculty members. During this review, individual faculty members will indicate their willingness to supervise the applicant. Students who meet the requirements for admission, and for whom the Department has identified both an advisor and a stipend, will be notified in writing of their admission to the program and provided with all necessary information to initiate enrollment. In the interests of professional development, the Zoology Department strongly discourages students who have obtained Zoology B.A./B.S and M.S. degrees at SIUC from applying to the Ph.D. program.