Photo Provided West Liberty University President Stephen Greiner announces Wednesday the launch of graduate degree programs in biology, beginning with the upcoming fall semester.

WEST LIBERTY — Beginning this fall, students seeking careers in fields from pharmaceutical research to dentistry and medicine can take the next step in their educational journeys at West Liberty University.

The university announced Wednesday it has received approval from the Higher Learning Commission for two new science degrees, a master of arts in biology and a master of science in biology. Student applications are now being accepted for the fall launch of the programs.

“We are pleased to offer these new master’s degrees to our region and the state of West Virginia,” said WLU President Stephen Greiner. “Currently, no small college in the state offers the master’s of biology, so we are excited to be the first and we encourage undergraduates to take a look at the opportunities that these degrees offer.”

The MS in biology often leads to jobs such as research technicians for the pharmaceutical industry or academic labs, environmental consulting work, or entry into doctoral programs, while the MA in biology prepares students for professional schools such as dental or medical school.

There also is a “3+2” MS in biology option that is the first graduate biology program in the state to offer an accelerated pathway to completion. This option is for admitted freshman undergraduates, however.

“There are a number of reasons that I believe these are important degrees for West Liberty University,” said Joseph Horzempa, associate professor of biology and program director for the new degrees. “One is simply to increase scholarly activities in the sciences in the Mountain State. The other is that these graduate degrees will certainly help our residents find careers in their field.”

Robert Kreisberg, dean of West Liberty’s College of Sciences, said Wednesday’s announcement is the culmination of more than two years of work.

Undergraduate students in biology or related fields may apply now. General admission requirements include:

∫ A completed discipline-specific bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution of higher education with an overall grade point average of at least 2.6;

∫ An undergraduate science minimum GPA of 2.8;

∫ Undergraduate degrees in biology, ecology, chemistry or a related field. Consideration will be given to students receiving a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated area as long as 18 biology or ecology course credits were completed with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

∫ Graduate Record Examination combined score of 300 with a score of at least 3.5 on the analytical writing portion. The Biology Subject Test GRE is not required. GRE must be taken within two years prior to successful program application; and

∫ Three letters of recommendation.

Upon approval by the faculty, provisional admission may be granted to candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements. Graduate assistantships also are available to qualified candidates and will cover tuition expenses.

For more information, visit westliberty.edu/mamsbiology, call Horzempa at 304-336-8284 or email to joseph.horzempa@westliberty.edu.