The students, faculty, and post-doctoral fellows that comprise the Behavior, Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics (BEES) section focus on research questions that range widely over the disciplines of ecology, evolution, behavior, physiology, and systematics. We emphasize an integrative, collaborative approach to research not only among the members of the BEES section, but also with members of the other sections in the School and with faculty and students at other universities.
Research within the BEES is conducted across different levels of biological organization, from genes to individuals, populations to communities. We address fundamental questions concerning the nature of evolutionary change, interactions between organisms and their environment, the distribution and abundance of living things, and the conservation of organisms and restoration of their ecosystems.
The sequence is an option for students enrolled in the M.S. degree program.
A student applying to a master's program must:
International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.
The first step in the application process is to ask about working in a lab. We do not admit graduate students unless they have at least one faculty member who is willing to have them in their lab.
Contact a member of our faculty who works in your area of interest. Discuss whether they are taking new students, whether your interests sufficiently overlap with theirs, and what research topics are being pursued in their labs.
You must have a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or any previous work in a master’s program.
Submit your vita in the application system. It should include any information that will help assess your potential as a student in our graduate program. Also include:
Write a one-to-two page statement of your academic and professional goals and submit it in the application system.
Your statement should include:
Provide three letters of recommendation from faculty members or others who are familiar with your academic record and can evaluate your potential for graduate study.
GRE scores are not required for your application. However, if you wish to submit them, you may.
Scores do not play a significant part in our decision-making process for admission. GRE scores may help your application if you did not have strong undergraduate grades but have strong GRE scores.
Use institution code 1319 if you want to submit your scores. It will not be held against you if you do not submit GRE scores as part of your application.
International students required to take an English proficiency test must have a TOEFL score of 90 or greater. The IELTS equivalent is approximately 6.5.
Term | Application Deadline |
---|---|
Fall (August) | February 1 |
Spring (January) | Not accepting applications |
Summer | Not accepting applications |
The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.
To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally,
Graduate assistants receive
Most graduate students in the School of Biological Sciences are supported by Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Research Assistantships (RAs), which include a stipend and a tuition waiver.
Everyone admitted to our M.S. program is provided a TA or RA. However, you should not attempt to complete the online TA application form until after you have been admitted into our graduate program.
Research Assistantships (RAs) are arranged through the faculty member directing your thesis.
TAs in the M.S. program currently receive $ 1,338/ month for 9 months plus tuition waivers. Opportunities for up to 3 months/year of additional support are available.
See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.
Name | Office | Phone | Note | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ben Sadd | Felmley Hall Annex 337 | bmsadd@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2651 | Graduate Coordinator |