Combined MS in Biology/ MBA Business Administration
Credit Hours: 45
The University of West Georgia offers a path for students to concurrently earn their MS in Biology (Non-thesis Track) and MBA degrees. This option develops the proficiencies students need to succeed in today’s competitive job market. A combined MS in Biology and MBA provides interdisciplinary training for students interested in careers spanning science and business, such as biotechnology, biomedical sciences, and environmental consulting.
For more information, please see the Academic Catalog. A program sheet, which provides a required coursework sequence, is available for download in the Courses tab below.
The Combined MS Biology/ MBA program can be completed in as little as 45 credit hours, and results in the awarding of 2 master's degrees: an MS in Biology (non-Thesis Track, Biomedical Sciences Concentration), and a Master of Business Administration.
Program Location
Carrollton Campus
Method of Delivery
This program is offered face-to-face at our Carrollton, GA campus. Some online course options are offered during the program.
Accreditation
The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The Richards College of Business at the University of West Georgia is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).
Credit and transfer
Total semester hours required: 45
This program may be earned entirely face-to-face. However, depending on the courses chosen, a student may choose to take some partially or fully online courses.
Save money
UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited universities of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen.
Details
- Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
- The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
- Face-to-face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
- Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
- Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
- One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, he/she will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
- For cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website
There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.
Coursework
The combined MS in Biology (Non-thesis Track)/MBA requires successful completion of 45 graduate course hours. Each degree requires 30 credit hours separately (60 credit hours total). However, students in the combined program can reduce the total number of credit hours for both degrees to 45 (6 semesters, including summer). The MS in Biology (Non-thesis Track) accepts up to 9 credit hours from the MBA toward electives, and the MBA accepts up to 6 credit hours from the MS in Biology toward electives.
A minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.0 is required for all combined MS Biology-MBA students. All program-specific policies apply to courses counting toward a program. If a student’s cumulative GPA drops below a 3.0, the University’s policies on academic probation, suspension, and dismissal apply (see Academic Standards in the General Academic Policies section of the catalog). All requirements must be completed within six (6) years from the date of matriculation as a graduate student.
Downloads
General
An analysis of accounting information and other data as aids to management in choosing among possible courses of action. Not open to MPAcc students or students with an undergraduate degree in Accounting.
Graduate seminar will meet each term. Each offering will have a different topical focus, to be determined by the faculty discussion leader. All students will select an area to present that is consistent with the topic for the term. Students are also expected to fully participate in the discussions generated by student presentations.
Comprehensive examination should be taken by all students in a non-thesis track program during the last term in their graduate degree program. The student will complete an examination of a body of biological work as determined by the graduate committee. The student must submit to an examination to be coordinated by the student's major professor and composed by the graduate committee. The examination will generally be an oral format, however, the graduate committee and student may elect an alternative format with sufficient justification.
This course builds skills in microeconomic analysis for managers and provides a conceptual foundation for further functional area studies. Topics include consumer and producer theory, industrial organization, and aspects of game theory and statistical analysis. Prerequisites: ECON 2105 or 2106, ECON 3402
A study of the major financial tools and techniques through problem solving and case studies.
A managerial examination of the behavioral and structural factors affecting performance of organizations including study of fundamentals, individual and group concerns, organizational processes with emphasis on current issues.
A study of total enterprise at the executive level applying a set of decisions and actions which result in the formulation and implementation of plans strategies that achieve the mission and goals of the enterprise with special consideration of the effects of globalization, ethics, and corporate accountability. This course must be taken in the final semester of study or with permission of the department chair.
A high level managerial decision making course that emphasizes analysis, planning, implementation, and control of marketing programs in a competitive environment. The case method and/or computer simulations is the integrative elements on the course.
Heidi Banford, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology
Erich Bergiel, Ph.D.
Professor
Andrew Edelman, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology, Graduate Program Coordinator, & Co-director of Wildlife Ecology Certificate Program
Frank Fontanella, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology
Janet Genz, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Joe Hendricks, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology & Co-Director of the Wildlife Ecology Certificate Program
Charles Hodges, Ph.D.
Professor of Finance
Melissa Johnson (Cavallin), Ph.D.
Professor & Undergraduate Program Coordinator
William J. Kenyon, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology & Co-Director of Microbiology Certificate Program
Mautusi Mitra, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Sara Molesworth-Kenyon, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology & Co-Director of Microbiology Certificate Program
David Morgan, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Nancy Pencoe, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Minna Rollins, D.Sc.
Director of Graduate Programs, Professor of Marketing
William Smith, Ph.D.
Chair, David A. Johnson Professor in Predictive Analytics
Satyanarayana Swamy-Mruthinti, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Christopher Tabit, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
John Upson, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Professor of Management
Jack Wei, Ph.D.
Professor of Marketing
Henry Zot, Ph.D.
Professor of BiologyGuidelines for Admittance
- All graduate applicants must complete the online Grad Application. A one-time application fee of $40 is required.
- Applicants should also review the Graduate Studies Website for individual program specific requirements and tasks that must be completed prior to admission. See Graduate Studies Application Process.
- International applicants are subject to additional requirements and application deadlines. See Procedures for International Students.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended are required and should be sent directly to the UWG Graduate Admissions Office.
Program Specific Admittance Guidelines
For admission to the Combined MS Biology/MBA program, applicants must meet the following admission requirements.
MS Biology Admission Requirements:
A student entering the M.S. in Biology program is expected to have an undergraduate degree in biology. Students without a degree in biology or lacking specific background courses in biology and related sciences may need to complete undergraduate courses to compensate for deficiencies.
- Minimum GPA - 2.8 or higher
- Resume detailing academic, work, and volunteer experience.
- 2 letters of recommendation, preferably from reviewers familiar with the applicant’s academic performance.
- A one-page narrative statement including three components:
- 1) reason(s) for pursuing an M.S. in Biology;
- 2) the specific biological sub-disciplines of interest; and
- 3) the desired degree track (Non-Thesis, Biomedical Sciences Concentration).
MBA Admission Requirements:
- Applicants must have a 2.8 GPA or higher
- Professional Resume
Application Deadlines
Specific Graduate Admissions Deadlines are available via the Graduate School
* Application, app fee, and document deadline
See The Scoop for more specific deadlines.
Admission Process Checklist
The Graduate Studies Application Process checklist is available here
Contact
Graduate Admissions
graduate@westga.edu
678-839-1394
Program Questions
biology@westga.edu
678-839-6547
Dr. Hope Udombon
Richard's College of Business
hudombon@westga.edu
Specific Graduate Admissions Deadlines are available via the Graduate School
* Application, app fee, and document deadline
See The Scoop for more specific deadlines.
MS in Biology (Non-thesis Track) Learning Outcomes
- To demonstrate a strong and diversified knowledge of modern biology. Students will be assessed on their knowledge in 3 areas: 1. Fundamental biological mechanisms, 2. Interrelatedness of biological subjects, and 3. Application of knowledge outside the field of biology.
- To demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific ideas in written or oral forms. Three criteria will be assessed: 1. Scientific content, 2. Comprehension and development of ideas, and 3. Structure and organization of work.
MBA Learning Outcomes
- Communicate at a professional level in oral presentations and in writing.
- Work effectively with others and lead in organizational situations.
- Identify how globalization affects organizations and their environment.
- Recognize the importance of ethical decision-making.
- Integrate analytical and problem-solving skills with concepts and theories from all functional areas of business.