MSc

Biology

Learn more about studying Biology as an international student.

Image reflecting the subject area of Life & Natural Sciences, relating to the program.
Middle Tennessee State University university logo

Key facts

  • Program
    Master's
  • Duration
    2 years
  • Program
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    38,560USD
  • Start date
    Jan, Sep
  • University ranking
    Not ranked

Program overview

What Middle Tennessee State University says about their program:

The Biology Department’s Master of Science program emphasizes research and preparation for further graduate study as well as employment with public agencies and private businesses. A major strength of the program is the option to custom-tailor the overall curriculum to meet the needs and objectives of individual students. Students may pursue a general biology curriculum or may choose to focus their studies in one or more of the following specialization areas: botany, cell and molecular biology, ecology, genetics, microbiology, physiology, or zoology. Students also have the opportunity to study in a state-of-the-art facility with the Fall 2014 opening of the innovative $147 million science building comprising more than 250,000 square feet for teaching, research, and collaborative learning. The Biology master’s requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit and six hours of research tools or foreign language. The degree also includes written oral comprehensive exams and a research thesis. Program completion typically requires two to three years.

Illustration featuring a variety of academic and scientific symbols, including a graduation cap on top of a profile of Einstein's head, a book, a ruler, a lightbulb, a microscope, a DNA helix, and molecular structure, against a backdrop of a university building with trees and clouds.

Admission requirements

Undergraduate academic requirements

  • Official high school or university transcripts
  • GPA of 2.75
  • ACT/SAT are optional

Postgraduate academic requirements

  • GRE, GMAT, or MAT depending on the program
  • GPA of 2.75 (Grade Point Average of 4.0 scale) is required for unconditional admission
  • Required minimum scores vary by academic departments
  • Submit a course-by-course evaluated transcript from a NACES evaluation service for all non-US college/university transcripts

English proficiency

Undergraduate

  • IELTS

    score of 5.5 or above

  • TOEFL iBT

    score of 61 or above (Computer-based 173 or above or paper-based 500 or above. The MTSU institution code is 1466.)

  • Duolingo English Test

    with a score of 85 or above

  • iTEP

    score of 3.5 or above

  • For transfer students, completion of English 1010 and 1020 at a US university
  • The ELS completion certificate of level

Postgraduate

  • TOEFL IBT

    minimum score 71; TEST CODE for MTSU is 1466

  • IELTS

    overall score of 6

  • UMELI

    minimum score of 85

  • ELS Level 112 Certificate of Completion
  • Duolingo English Test

    minimum score of 95

Documents required

  • Online application
  • Application fee
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Copy of your passport photo page showing expiration date
  • Proof of current financial affidavit
Illustration of academic elements representing admission requirements, including a graduation cap, clock, documents, resumes, ID card, a calendar, and a clipboard.

Scholarships at Middle Tennessee State University

  • International Merit Scholarship

    Official page

    Middle Tennessee State University awards International Merit Scholarships worth $6,000, $12,000, or $16,000 per academic year, applied toward out-of-state undergraduate tuition costs. The award is open specifically to international students on F-1 visas: any first-year or transfer applicant admitted to MTSU on an F-1 visa is automatically considered, with no separate application required. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis until the roughly $2,000,000 annual fund is exhausted, and notification is included in the admission letter. Once awarded, the scholarship is renewable annually for full-time enrollment (excluding summer terms) provided the student maintains a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Because eligibility is explicitly tied to F-1 international student status rather than US citizenship or residency, this award is squarely aimed at international undergraduates.

All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official scholarship page for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.

Fees

  • Undergraduate tuition

    US$26,000 per year

  • Graduate tuition

    US$38,000 per year

Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near Middle Tennessee State University?

Local figures aren't available yet — values reflect USA-wide averages.

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$1,652
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$1,349
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$214
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$73
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$61
Monthly public transport pass$65
Monthly grocery basket$350
Coffee shop drink$5
Cinema or cultural event ticket$15
Gym membership$45

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

Visa requirements for Middle Tennessee State University

Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

USA student visa requirements