MS in Biological Sciences

About Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences emphasizes the integrative nature of the biological sciences, focusing on research programs that unite three major foci: evolution/ecology, physiology, and biochemistry, cell and molecular biology. Faculty research programs reflect the interdisciplinary strength of our department. Recent faculty hires, support our rich tradition of research training in the traditional fundamental biological disciplines while providing specializations fostering interdisciplinary relationships.
Research Assistantships and tuition waivers are available to Biological Sciences graduate students on a competitive basis and are renewable annually.

What is the curriculum?

Thesis

A minimum of 30 semester hours is required beyond the baccalaureate degree, of which 21 must be at the 7000 level. A grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained. Students will take courses such as Orientation Grad Study (source of literature in field of biology, data presentation, graphic techniques, and manuscript preparation), College Biology Teaching (teaching of laboratory sections of existing undergraduate courses in the biological sciences), Thesis Proposal (preparation of a thesis project proposal in a grant format and an oral defense), Seminar in Biology (presentations of topics in biology), and Thesis. Attendance at departmental seminars is mandatory.

Non-Thesis

A minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate courses is required, of which 26 must be at the 7000 level. The total number of semester hours required for graduation will be determined by the student’s advisory committee based on academic background. Students will take courses such as Orientation Grad Study (source of literature in field of biology, data presentation, graphic techniques, and manuscript preparation), Life Sciences Biom I (introduction and application to aspects of the entire body provides engineers and physical scientists with an understanding of aspects of the chemical, physical, and mechanical basis of cell shape, function, and motility; integrated treatment of topics in cellular biochemistry, protein synthesis, energy releasing pathways, and membrane biophysics), and Seminar in Biology (presentations of topics in biology). A grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained.

What are the job opportunities in Biological Sciences?

Job opportunities are abundant in biotechnology companies, traditional pharmaceutical companies, medical research, academia, regulatory governmental agencies and non-profit environmental organizations. Pursuing a career in biology can be immensely rewarding and satisfying. Studying biology teaches us to ask questions, make observations, evaluate evidence, and solve problems. Biologists learn how living things work, how they interact with one another, and how they evolve. They may study the evolution, natural history, and conservation of plants and animals; investigate the interactions of living organisms with light, the environment, or each other. The starting salaries for professionals can range widely, depending on the institution and specialization of the individual.