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Graduate study in the biological sciences
leads toward the master's and doctoral degrees. In
2006-2007, 70 full-time students, half of which are
women and about 20 percent international, are pursuing
graduate degrees (half of which are doctoral students).
The department is characterized by active research
programs in molecular biology and microbiology, coastal
and marine biology, and ecology and environmental
biology as evidenced by extramural funding, scholarship
of discovery and application, and graduate student
activity. Graduate students develop a program of study
and research in close collaboration with a faculty
mentor and advisory committee. Students are typically
complete a doctoral program in five to six years and a
master's program in two to three years. Graduates of the
department are enjoying careers with governmental
agencies, health facilities, industry, academic and
research institutions, and in public education.
Admission to Graduate Study
Applicants should have an
undergraduate major or its equivalent in the biological
sciences. All applicants for admission are required to
present academic transcripts and scores from the verbal
and quantitative tests of the Graduate Record
Examination (GRE). Applicants must also include a
statement of research interests as well as request three
letters of reference. Students seeking fall admission
should complete their applications by February 15, and
application for the spring semester should be received
by September 15. The target date for application for
graduate teaching assistantships is also February 15 and
September 15, respectively. Click
here to see how to apply.
Living and Housing Costs
Cost
of living is average for the Southeast and lower than
the national average. Many doctoral students have taken
advantage of low interest rates to purchase homes in the
area. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment currently ranges
from $300 to $350 per month. Campus housing includes
special interest dormitory housing, with kitchen and
study rooms, for single graduate students, and
unfurnished one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites in a
housing complex for married students.
The Center for Child Development
operates a full-day laboratory school through Child and
Family Studies in the College of Education and
Psychology and provides quality child care services for
children (ages 6 weeks to school age) of University
affiliated families. Application can be made by
contacting the Center for Child Development at (601)
266-5294 or by mail at USM Box 10012, Hattiesburg, MS
39406-0012. A $5.00 non-refundable application fee will
be charged at the time application is made.
Application
Prospective
students should contact individual faculty members
concerning their research programs and opportunities to
study under their direction. We urge you to visit the
campus, view our facilities, and meet graduate students
and faculty. For further information and application
materials contact:
Dr. Shiao Wang,
Coordinator of Graduate Studies
Department of Biological Sciences
The University of Southern Mississippi
118 College Drive # 5018
Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-0001
Voice: (601)266-4748
Fax: (601)266-5797
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Graduate Students