School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences
School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences
Graduate study in the biological sciences leads toward the master's and doctoral degrees. In 2013-2014, 71 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 October 15. The target date for application for graduate teaching assistantships
is also February 15 and October 15, respectively.
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 $400 to $500 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. Andy Reese (email: Andy.ReeseFREEMississippi)
WSB 232D
601-266-6486