Biology -  MASTER'S (MS)

DEGREE OVERVIEW

The Master of Science in biology program is designed to prepare students to pursue careers in research, science education, industry, and government. The Department of Biology offers both thesis and non-thesis options. Courses are taught by award-winning, nationally recognized research and teaching faculty and cover a range of essential topics in contemporary biology.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Students pursuing a thesis have the option to conduct research leading to a thesis in a variety of specializations, including aquatic biology, ecology, genetics, evolutionary biology, genomics, microbiology, and cell biology. The thesis option is intended to prepare students for PhD programs and careers in research and industry by obtaining skills such as the collection and analysis of data, evaluation of primary literature, and essential laboratory techniques. The non-thesis option is intended to meet the needs of students looking to advance in their careers or those seeking additional preparation for professional or health science programs. Graduates of this program can currently be found working in consulting, resource management, state and local agencies, and K-12 education. The program can be completed within two years and is highly flexible, allowing students to take courses on-campus, fully online asynchronously, or as a combination of the two modalities.

LEARN MORE

• Admissions requirements and degree curriculum
• Degree information in the University Catalog
• Biology faculty & staff

DEGREE OPTIONS

Master of Science Thesis Option (MST)

The thesis option is intended to prepare students for Ph.D. programs and careers in research and industry by obtaining skills such as data collection and analysis, primary literature evaluation, and essential laboratory techniques. The Master of Science in Biology Thesis program is offered on-campus only.

Learn more about the thesis option

Master of Science Non-Thesis Option (MSNT)

The non-thesis option is intended to meet the needs of students looking to advance in their careers or those seeking additional preparation for professional or health science programs. Graduates of this program can currently be found working in consulting, resource management, state and local agencies, and K-12 education. The Master of Science in Biology Non-Thesis option can be completed on-campus, fully online asynchronously, or as a combination of the two modalities.

Learn more about the non-thesis option

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Take the next step toward investing in yourself by learning more about our Biology - Master's (MS) program.