BS-MS: Biology

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from this program will:

  • Describe the structures and functions of key biological molecules, how these molecules interact to perform the major biochemical processes of living organisms, and key regulatory events that govern these biochemical processes.
  • Describe the storage, transmission and expression of genetic information, including key genetic regulatory events.
  • Employ oral and written communication skills in the presentation of information in cell and molecular biology.
  • Integrate fundamental knowledge of biochemistry and cell and molecular biology to understand and develop experimental approaches for testing hypotheses about biological mechanisms.
  • Analyze and interpret quantitative and semi-quantitative data relevant to experimental approaches in cell and molecular biology.

The School of Science and Engineering established the BS-MS program to offer students an opportunity to meet the full requirements of the existing BS and MS degree programs in a shorter time period than the separate degree programs by completing a B.S. degree within four years and then completing an M.S. degree in the fifth year.

  • Students admitted to the program will receive the unit BS-MS Scholarship which will cover the difference between Graduate and Undergraduate tuition rates
  • Students are required to maintain full-time undergraduate enrollment (minimum 12 hours/ semester)
  •  Must be continuously enrolled from BS to MS programs (must enter graduate program the semester following completion of BS degree requirements, summer excepted)
  • Students are required to maintain full-time enrollment (minimum 9 hours/semester) in the graduate phase of the program and complete the master's degree within a year of their bachelor's degree completion to continue to receive the BS/MS Scholarship

Admission Requirements for BS-MS Program:

Students must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

  • The GRE will be waived for students who meet the qualifications above and are planning to enroll in the BS-MS program
  • Students must indicate their interest and apply to the program no later than the end of their junior year
  • Students must complete 30 hours at UMKC prior to admission to the BS/MS program
  • Students are expected to follow the recommended curriculum (although deviations are possible) and must maintain a UMKC cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher

This program offers students an opportunity to meet the full requirements of the existing BS and MS degree programs in a shorter time period than the separate degree programs by completing a B.S. degree in Biology within four years, and then completing an M.S. degree in Biology in their fifth year.  

Requirements for Graduation

Credit Hour Requirements

The BS and MS program in Biology requires a minimum of the following:

For additional details, please contact our Department by e-mail mailto:sse@umkc.edu.