MS in Biology
MA in Biology
MA in Zoo Science
MS in Zoo Science
WVSOM Bridge Program
MS in Biology
MS in Biology
- Students must complete at least 30 hours of biology graduate coursework, including the thesis. A maximum of 9 credit hours may be earned for the thesis.
- Candidates for the MS degree must register for and participate in Graduate Seminar (seminar will be 1 credit hour per semester) each semester, except the thesis semester, while they are actively enrolled in the graduate program. No more than 3 credit hours of seminar may be used to complete the 30 credit hour requirement.
- Students must complete 14 credit hours in graded graduate biology courses including BIO510 Graduate Research Skills.
- Students may take up to 9 credit hours of “Independent Study” per semester. However, no more than 4 credit hours in “Independent Study” may be used to complete the 30 credit hour requirement. Moreover, these Independent Study credits may only be applied beyond the required 14 credit hours in graded biology graduate courses.
- Successful completion of the graduate program in biology requires a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and no more than 6 credit hours of “C” grades may be applied to the total hours for graduation. Upon completion of course requirements and the thesis, MS candidates must pass an oral thesis defense.
View the course curriculum guides:
- Download the MS Sequence of Courses Guide.
- Download the MS in Biology, Traditional Curriculum Guide.
MA in Biology
MA in Biology
- 30 credit hours are required to graduate from West Liberty University with a M.A. in Biology. Of those 30 credits, a minimum of 26 credit hours of graded graduate-level biology courses (500-level) are required. It is recommended that 7-8 credit hours be taken per semester.
- A maximum of 4 credit hours of BIO 525 Graduate Seminar count toward the 30 total for the degree.
- Neither BIO 580 Research nor BIO 598 Thesis credits may be applied toward the M.A. Biology degree.
- The M.A. in Biology requires a cumulative 3.0 GPA; no more than 6 credit hours of “C” grades may be applied to the total hours for graduation.
- M.A. in Biology students do not conduct thesis research.
- M.A. in Biology students may take the comprehensive examination a total of two times to achieve a minimum score of 75%; students must pass the comprehensive examination to earn the M.A. in Biology.
View the course curriculum guide:
- Download the MA in Biology, Traditional Curriculum Guide.
- These worksheets are a guide. Each student is responsible for their curriculum and meeting the requirements for graduation as stipulated in the college catalog.
- Courses may not be offered every semester and/or year. Please consult with the Biology advisor for sequencing.
- If a student is interested in using Federal Student Aid, the student must be enrolled in 6 credit hours per semester.
MA in Zoo Science
MA in Zoo Science
- Students who select the Master of Arts option must complete a designated 30 credit hours of graduate coursework including the 19 credit hour Zoo Science core curriculum. All credit hours are graded biology graduate courses.
- No more than 6 credit hours of “C” grades may be applied to the total hours for graduation.
- MA candidates do not conduct thesis research.
- Successful completion of the MA in Biology Zoo Science option requires a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and a comprehensive examination score of 75% or higher. Students may take the comprehensive examination a total of two times to achieve or surpass the minimum score.
Learn more about the MA in Biology Zoo Science Program
MS in Zoo Science
MS in Zoo Science
- Students must complete at least 30 credit hours of biology graduate coursework, including the thesis. A maximum of 9 credit hours may be earned for the thesis.
- Candidates for the MS degree in Biology (Zoo Science) must successfully complete, grade of “C” or higher, the 19 credit hour Zoo Science core curriculum.
- Students may take up to 9 credit hours of “Independent Study” per semester. However, no more than 2 credit hours in “Independent Study” may be used to complete the 30-hour requirement.
- Successful completion of the graduate program in biology requires a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and no more than 6 credit hours of “C” grades may be applied to the total hours for graduation. Upon completion of course requirements and the thesis, MS candidates must pass an oral thesis defense.
Learn more about the MS in Biology Zoo Science program
WVSOM Bridge Program
WVSOM Bridge Program
West Liberty University & WV School of Osteopathic Medicine
Joint Master of Arts in Biology with Medical School Emphasis
The Master of Arts in Biology, with a major in Biomedical Sciences (MAB), is designed for students to demonstrate they can be successful at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM). Students will take West Liberty University graduate-level courses in human biology and medicine to improve their overall academic credentials and prove they can handle the rigors of medical school.
Learn about West Liberty University’s accelerated Master’s Program in Biomedical Sciences that links to Medical School. Finish in 1 year!
Requirements for Guaranteed Bridge Admission to WVSOM:
For Students Who Meet the Guaranteed Bridge Admissions Criteria:
- Students must have an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.4 with a 3.2 Science GPA by July 15th (application deadline).
- Have at least one recommendation from an M.D. or D.O. (non-relative), one recommendation from a pre-med advisor, and one additional recommendation from a faculty member or employer.
- Have an MCAT score of 498 or higher by July 15th (application deadline).
- Complete AACOMAS application, WVSOM supplemental application, and all other documents required for matriculation at WVSOM.
- Date of matriculation to West Liberty (August)
- 1st semester (15 credit hours) August to December
- 2nd semester (15 credit hours) January to May
- Graduation (2nd weekend of May)
- After acceptance, students must complete the bridge program within one year from the date of matriculation.
- Students must graduate from the bridge program with a GPA of 3.4 or higher and have no more than one “C” grade in their graduate coursework.
- Deposit due within 2 weeks of graduation and acceptance to WVSOM
Requirements for Non-Guaranteed GAP Year Program
For Students Who Meet the Non Guaranteed GAP Admissions Criteria:
- Students must have an undergraduate degree in Biology, Chemistry, or a related field. Consideration will be given to students receiving a Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated area as long as 18 biology course credits were completed.
- An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher with a science GPA of 2.8 or higher.
- Rolling admission – applicants are due before the start of classes in the ensuing fall or spring semester
- Applications are due prior to July 15th
- Applicants reviewed
- WVSOM pre-matriculation interviews will be in June or early July
- Date of matriculation to West Liberty (August)
- 1st semester (15 credit hours) August to December
- 2nd semester (15 credit hours) January to May
- Graduation (2nd weekend of May)
- Deposit due within 2 weeks of graduation and acceptance to WVSOM
Application Deadlines
- June 1st is the application deadline for students who
do not meet the minimum MCAT and GPA requirements for guaranteed admission. - July 15th is the application deadline for students eligible for guaranteed admission to WVSOM.
For questions regarding the application process, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies at 304-336-8015.
Instructions for Applying Through CAS
- 1. Click on the CAS system that corresponds with your graduate program.
- 2. Create a CAS account if you haven’t already.
- 3. Log into your CAS account.
- 4. Go to the Program Search section and search for West Liberty University.
- 5. Select West Liberty University and choose the specific graduate program you are applying to.
- 6. Follow the application instructions provided on the program’s main page within the CAS portal.
- 7. Important: All official transcripts must be submitted directly through CAS to complete your application.
The MAB Program Requirements:
- Students must take a minimum of 30 credit hours in the Biomedical Science major, of the following disciplines:
- Anatomy, histology, neuroanatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, pathology, cell biology, and/or genetics.
- Students must complete the MAB in one year from the date of matriculation.
Students who successfully complete the MAB with the specified GPA and MCAT score will be guaranteed admission to the upcoming Osteopathic Medical School class at WVSOM.
Graduation from the MAB Program:
- Successful completion of the MAB requires a GPA of 3.0 or higher and no more than six (6) credit hours of “C” grades may be applied to the total hours for graduation.
- Students who wish to be considered for admission who did not meet the Guaranteed Admission Requirements to WVSOM may apply through the regular admission process and their application will be reviewed after the first semester and may be invited to interview by the WVSOM admission office for matriculation to WVSOM after completion of the MAB. Students who graduate from the program, who apply the following year will have their files reviewed by WVSOM for next year’s admission cycle.
Biomedical Major Required Courses:
Fall Semester (14 hours)
| BIO 502 | 3 credit hours | Anatomy & Physiology 1 |
| BIO 503 | 1 credit hour | Anatomy & Physiology 1 Lab |
| BIO 513 | 1 credit hour | Professional course/MCAT Prep |
| BIO 570 | 3 credit hours | Biological Chemistry |
| Elective 1 | 3 or 4 credit hours | |
| Elective 2 | 3 credit hours |
Total hours = 14 or 15 credit hours
Optional Electives (Need at least 4 courses)
| BIO 501 | 3 credit hours | Advanced Genetics and Geonomics |
| BIO 507 | 3 credit hours | Human Genetics |
| BIO 512 | 3 credit hours | Neuroscience |
| BIO 516 | 3 credit hours | Medical Microbiology |
| BIO 532 | 4 credit hours | Histology |
| BIO 534 | 3 credit hours | Endocrinology |
| BIO 560 | 3 credit hours | Molecular Biology |
| BIO 562 | 3 credit hours | Microbial Pathogenesis |
| BIO 564 | 3 credit hours | Medical Parasitology |
| BIO 565 | 3 credit hours | Virology |
| BIO 572 | 3 credit hours | Cell Biology |
Spring Semester (16 hours)
| BIO 517 | 3 credit hours | Advanced Immunology |
| BIO 523 | 3 credit hours | Pathophysiology (or Elective) |
| BIO 528 | 3 credit hours | Anatomy & Physiology II |
| BIO 529 | 1 credit hour | Anatomy & Physiology II Lab |
| Elective 3 | 3 credit hours | |
| Elective 4 | 3 credit hours |