Department of

Biology

Master of Science in Conservation Biology

Why choose Union University’s Master of Science in Conservation Biology?

• We are a university with a strong Christian foundation that is an integral part of everything we do.
• We offer high quality, rigorous courses that prepare students for a variety of future opportunities.
• We have a long history of providing excellent mentoring and advising to students.
• Diverse areas of faculty expertise and research interests provide students with many opportunities to learn
• If your goal is further graduate education, we provide an opportunity for you to gain knowledge and experience so that your application becomes more competitive!

Admissions Criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; official undergraduate transcripts [stamped and sealed envelope from all institutions, including the degree conferred and date, if applicable].
• Conservation Biology, Biology, Environmental Science, Forestry or related area is preferred
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75
• Minimum of 12 undergraduate hours in biology applicable to a biology major.
• Submission of scores from GRE

Tips for completing your application:

• As soon as you begin your application online, you can request that transcripts and test scores be sent to Union University.  Do not wait until you submit your application to begin this process.
• For transcripts and test scores, specify the Department of Biology or Dr. Marc Lockett as the recipient to ensure the documents are routed correctly.
• All supporting materials (transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation) must be received before your application is evaluated.
• • You need to have taken and received test scores before 3/1 of the application cycle (i.e. before Fall admission of the same year)
• As supporting materials are received, your application will be updated to indicate each document that is received.  You can view the status of each requirement online.  It is your responsibility to monitor the status of your application.
• You must submit an official transcript for every institution you have attended.
• If you are completing your bachelor's degree during the application process, submit a current transcript.  If you are admitted into the program and enroll, you will also need to submit a final transcript that shows the degree awarded.

Application Process Includes:

• Statement of Purpose: Please indicate in a 500-1000 word statement your purpose for pursuing graduate education and your intended career goals.
• Research Topic Selection: [500-1000 words] Explain your rationale and interest in a particular research project and how you anticipate this particular project assisting you in your career
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• Submit official transcripts of all college-level work from ALL institutions you have attended

Retention criteria:

• Maintain minimum 3.0 GPA
• Successful proposal defense completed during the first semester or first winter term
• Committee approval and satisfactory progress towards project completion

Alternate List:

Students who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for the Conservation Biology Graduate program but who apply after the class has been filled will be placed on an alternate list and will be notified if they are selected for inclusion in the program for the upcoming academic year. Students who are placed on the alternate list and who are not admitted will receive a $25 refund of their Application Fee.

Completion Requirements:

• Complete required number of hours (32) from a flexible selection of courses designed to meet student interest and relate to research project
• Write and defend thesis
• Complete a successful degree audit

Tuition and Fees:

• Application Fee: $50
• Laboratory Fees: Refer to the undergraduate catalog for fees for specific courses
• Tuition/semester hour: None with Tuition Wavier
• Deposit: $500 (will be applied to lab/course fee(s) and Student Services Fee); due May 1 or within two weeks of acceptance of your application. The deposit is 100% refundable within 20 business days of the acceptance of your application, 50% refundable between 20 and 35 days after acceptance of your application, non-refundable after 35 days of acceptance of your application). No refunds of deposits will be given after July 1.
• Student Services Fee: $20 per credit hour

Learn about financial aid options for pursuing your graduate degree.

Contact Information:

Master of Science in Conservation Biology 
Attn: Dr. Marc Lockett
Box 1914
1050 Union University Drive
Jackson, TN 38305
731-661-5960
mlockett@uu.edu

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