illustration with DNA strands and cellular components
Biological Sciences Master's Degree

Biological Sciences M.S.

The Biological Sciences M.S. program strives to be both flexible and supportive, stressing individualized training and a diverse research environment. We provide our students with a rich intellectual environment, as well as the necessary technical resources to succeed.

Choose an Area of Concentration

Our faculty expertise spans a broad range of biological disciplines across multiple hierarchical levels including molecular biology, microbiology, animal physiology, comparative anatomy, ecology, and evolution.

Biological Sciences M.S. Courses & Degree Requirements

View Courses & Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog

Students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours. The student, advisor, and thesis advisory committee will determine the student's program of study. Master’s students may be required to complete breadth courses depending on their particular educational program.

Other Requirements

Presentation Training: Each Educational Program must identify a class or journal club at which students make formal presentations at least once each year.

One semester of supervised teaching is required before the M.S. is granted.

In this program, the student carries out original research and writes a thesis. Admission to M.S. candidacy must be achieved within three semesters and includes passing a research proposal defense. The presentation of the public thesis seminar and passing the thesis oral exam are required in addition to the completion of the written thesis to receive the M.S. degree.

Culminating Experience

The presentation of a public thesis seminar based on the original research project and passing the final thesis oral exam given by the thesis advisory committee based on the completed written thesis.

Choosing a Faculty Advisor

Familiarize yourself with the graduate programs, including concentrations, and decide which specific program of study interests you. You will be required to name three potential advisers on your application.

Guide to Choosing a Graduate Advisor

Research Opportunities

Internal and external funding sources are available to help provide resources for research and conference presentations.

Biological Sciences Graduate Student Research