5th Year Master's Program Overview
Students can participate in a range of research opportunities within the Department and among other associated programs within UAB. For those who desire a full research experience, the 5th Year Master of Science Program allows students to be dual-enrolled as a B.S. and M.S. student after completing 60 credit hours towards their B.S. degree. For many of these, qualified students have the opportunity to earn a B.S. and an M.S. degree in Biology in a total of five years or less.
If you join this program you will be provided a mentored scientific research experience and earn an advanced graduate degree in combination with your undergraduate study. You will work closely with a faculty member in an area of intensive research to prepare you for a Ph.D. program in the biological sciences, a future health professions career, or a career in teaching at the college level.
Program Basics
The 5th Year program is an advanced course of study designed to be completed in five years. You must have a faculty mentor from the College of Arts and Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Public Health, Health Related Professions, or Engineering to be admitted to the program.
Successful students will complete:
- an undergraduate program (120 hours) leading to a B.S. in Biology
- an M.S. program (30 hours) with a thesis (Plan I) or without a thesis (plan II)
- a thesis of sufficient quality and scope to lead to at least one publishable paper
- at least one presentation at a regional, national, or international scientific conference
Requirements and Qualifications
- Current students may apply once they have earned 60 or more undergraduate hours, at least 36 of which must be earned at UAB
- Students must have a 3.25 overall undergraduate GPA, including a science background (e.g., biology, organic chemistry)
- Students must have completed BY 123/124, BY 210 and/or BY 330, CH 115/116, CH 117/118, CH 235/236, and CH 237/238 with a C or better
- GRE is NOT required
Application Process
Prior to applying, prospective students must meet with their Undergraduate Advisor and the Biology Graduate Program Director to discuss program requirements and to outline a course plan.
Contact
You can contact Dr. Peggy Biga, Graduate Program Director, at