Biological Sciences - Biomathematics

The Biomathematics master's program at Illinois State University was developed recently to help students understand how biology and mathematics are intertwined and how a broad-based knowledge of each area will be critical for future graduate study and/or employment opportunities.

Biomathematics incorporates cross-disciplinary research as integral to the curriculum. Through this master's sequence, students will choose a series of courses concentrated in one of three critical areas of Biomathematics (theoretical and applied statistics, deterministic and stochastic modeling, or computation and bioinformatics) and conduct thesis research within the cross-disciplinary field of Biomathematics.

It is one of several Programs of Excellence awarded by the College of Arts and Sciences. There is no other Biomathematics M.S. program in Illinois, and the few existing programs in the nation typically do not exhibit the strong and balanced emphasis on coursework in both disciplines the Biomathematics program will offer.

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to a master's program must:

• have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
• present official transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. Transcripts can be emailed from the university to Admissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Office of Admissions, 201 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 2200, Normal, IL 61790-2200

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

Lab Requirement

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.

Application Requirements

A student applying this program must:

• have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for either the last 60 hours of your undergraduate coursework or any previous work in a Master's program.
• submit official GRE scores (general test) to Illinois State University, school code 1319.
• upload a curriculum vitae (i.e., résumé). Your vita should include any information that will help the School to assess your potential as a student in our graduate program. It should include a summary of your educational background; previous employment or positions related to science; current status; research activities, including publications; and any other relevant information, such as memberships in professional societies and any honors and awards you have received.
• upload a statement of academic and professional goals. Your one- to two-page statement of academic and professional goals should identify the general area of research in which you are interested and the faculty member(s) with whom you have corresponded with regard to serving as your possible thesis advisor (i.e., major professor). In addition, describe your plans after completing graduate school.
• provide three letters of recommendation. Your letters should be from faculty members or others who are familiar with your academic record and can evaluate your potential for graduate study. 

Test Scores

A student applying to this program must have a 150 or better on both the GRE quantitative and verbal test. A score of 4.0 or higher on the analytical writing test is also required.

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. 

Admission Dates and Deadlines

Graduate Assistantship Information

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.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally,

• be admitted unconditionally as a degree-seeking student into a graduate academic program, or have a minimum of 120 undergraduate hours if in an integrated degree program
• be in good-standing
• be enrolled full-time (typically at least 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters, or at least 6 hours during the summer session).

Benefits

Graduate assistants receive

• monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage
• a waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment
• a waiver for up to 12 credit hours of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment

Most graduate students in the School 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 $1,150/month for 9 months plus tuition waivers. Opportunities for up to 3 months/year of additional support are available.

Cost & Funding

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 continuous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.

Graduate Coordinator