Department of Biology
College of Science, Engineering, and Technology
Jackson State University’s degree options in Biology is designed to prepare students for graduate or professional studies, as well as for entering the job market. Students can elect to specialize in Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Pre-Health Careers(Dentistry, Medicine, Optometry, etc.), or Pre-Health Career Prerequisites (Pre-Dental, Hygiene, Pre-Nursing).
Graduate Scholarship Programs
LS MAMP (Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation) Bridge to the Doctorate Graduate Scholars: National Science Foundation
Who should apply: First Time Graduate Students ($30,000/year + Tuition)
Contact: Dr. Ashton Hamme, 601-979-3713
Restrictions: Must be US citizens or permanent resident and a former LS AMP undergraduate student
PREM (Partnership for Research and Education in Materials): National Science Foundation
Who should apply: Graduate Students ($24,000/year)
Contact: Dr. Hongtao Yu, 601-979-2171
Restrictions: Must be US citizens or Permanent Residents
RISE (Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement): National Institutes of Health
Who should apply: Entering Graduate Students ($2000/month + tuition)
Contact: Ms. Maxine Simpson, 601-979-3453
Restrictions: Must be US citizens or Permanent Residents
CREST (Center for Research Excellence in Science & Technology): National Science Foundation
Who should apply: Graduate Students ($2000/month)
Contact: Dr. Shonda Allen-Hill, 601-979-3723
Title III Graduate Fellowship (U.S. Department of Education)
Who should apply: Doctoral Graduate Students ($2000/month + tuition)
Contact: Dr. Hongtao Yu, 601-979-2171
Restrictions: Must be US citizen
Teaching Assistant
Who should apply: First Time Graduate Students (≥ $12,000/year + Tuition)
Contact: Dr. Dalephine Davis, 601-979-1525
Research Assistant
Who should apply: First Time Graduate Students (≥ $12,000/year + Tuition)
Contact: All faculty of the chemistry department
Fellowships (EPA, NSF, NIH, DOE, NASA):
Who should apply: Incoming graduate students ($22,000 – $37,000)
Must be US citizens or permanent residents
Some require to be African Americans
Contact Dr. Hongtao Yu, 601-979-2174
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
You will gain a wide education in biology, learning about everything from molecular structure in the lab to ecosystems in the outdoors.
You will build leadership, management and many other skills while in the program. After completing all of your degree and training requirements, you will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. In addition to general course work, you will choose a concentration focusing on your area of interest and career goals. For those hoping to pursue medicine or other health professions, you will learn about the structures and functions of tissues and organs in humans and other animals as well as molecular and cellular biology. Beyond your classroom and lab work, you will also have the opportunity to work directly with faculty members on real-world research using the latest technology, all as a student at Jackson State University.
LEARN BY DOING
After completing the program, you will understand the basic biological principles, think logically and communicate clearly within the field and to other researchers, become conscious of social problems relevant to life sciences, prepare for careers in the life sciences, teaching, and graduate studies, provide a strong pre-professional foundation for medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, optometry, physical therapy, dental hygiene, medical technology, nursing, and medical records administration, and engage in basic and applied research that benefits the local and scientific community,
“Challenging Minds, Changing Lives.”
APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Your time will be spent collecting and analyzing data or running experiments on state-of-the-art equipment – not solely sitting at desks. The diverse
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Biology majors have a plethora of career options after studying the molecular nature, physiological mechanisms, evolution, and physical structure of life and living organisms:
| Biologist | Botanist | Zoologist | Registered Nurse |
| Pharmacy Technician | Phlebotomist | Respiratory Therapist | Pharmacologist |
| Biology Teacher | Environmental Scientist | Quality Control Technician | Agricultural Technician |
| Biomedical Engineer | Hydrologist | Medical Manager | Physician Assistant |
| Genetic Counselor | Legal Specialist | Microbiologist | Game/Fish Warden |
| Surgeon | Pharmaceutical Sales Representative | Occupational Therapist | Veterinarian |
RESEARCH
For many years, we have played a central role in the growth of molecular life sciences and revolution in computational biology.
Want to learn more? Click below to view our advancements.
RESOURCES
Important Dates
Biology Advisor's List
Research Positions/Other
Forms
CSET Scholars Academy
Gallery
Biology Minor Requirements
Chemistry Minor Requirements
Biology Updates
PERSONNEL
READY TO JOIN?
For more information, please contact us at (601) 979-2586 or submit your questions and requests to biologydept@jsums.edu. We look forward to meeting with you and seeing how our program can help you achieve your goals.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY