Biology - MS, MA

The graduate programs in the Department of Biological Sciences are designed to qualify persons for: i) employment in various biology fields, ii) continued graduate work at the doctoral level, and iii) for teaching biology in high schools, community colleges, and liberal arts colleges. Available programs include research-intensive Master of Science Thesis and Non-thesis options, as well as a Master of Arts option, which emphasizes coursework.

The Master of Arts in Biology option is a scientific degree that is designed to provide additional biological training through coursework. This program does not require enrollment in the department’s Research Design and Analysis and Scientific Writing Courses and therefore does not require the department’s English Proficiency Examination. Students may tailor their courses toward particular professional concentrations (e.g., botany, ecology, microbial and cellular biology, zoology, etc.). This option is appropriate for students pursuing a career in biology or for continued graduate study.

The Master of Science Non-thesis option in the Department of Biological Sciences is designed to provide additional biological training through coursework in addition to a thorough literature review of research on a contemporary biological topic. This option is appropriate for students pursuing a career in research-driven biological fields or for continued graduate study at the doctoral level. This program requires enrollment in the department’s Research Design and Analysis and Scientific Writing Courses and passing the department’s English Proficiency Examination. Otherwise, students may tailor their courses toward particular professional concentrations (e.g., botany, ecology, microbial and cellular biology, zoology, etc.).

The Master of Science in Biology Thesis option is designed to provide a more sophisticated research experience for students pursuing a career in research-driven biological fields or for continued graduate study at the doctoral level. The thesis project entails original research done in collaboration with the student’s academic advisor. This program requires enrollment in the department’s Research Design and Analysis and Scientific Writing Courses and passing the department’s English Proficiency Examination. Otherwise, students may tailor their courses toward particular professional concentrations (e.g., botany, ecology, microbial and cellular biology, zoology, etc.).