Biology M.S.
30 credits -–Thesis option
31 credits — Non-thesis option
39 credits — Non-research option
Purpose of the M.S. Program
The purpose of the M.S. program in biology is to provide students with a comprehensive foundational knowledge in their area of specialty, a high degree of competence in research design and methods, and communication skills.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Understand the standards of ethics and conduct in their profession and behave consistent with these standards
- Comprehend the impact of their professional decisions and actions upon society, their employer, their profession, and themselves and work diligently to achieve positive outcomes
- Be proficient in performing research
- Read, analyze and write consistent with the standards of their field
- Communicate effectively in a variety of modes using emerging technologies as required in a discipline specific professional setting
- Identify and understand critical issues
- Possess the ability to challenge and evaluate information
- Synthesize and integrate knowledge
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills. Apply their knowledge and skills in academic, applied or research settings.
- Formulate new ideas.
Program of Study
Thesis Option — 30 Semester Credits
Required
Six semester credits in the M.S. program may be earned in courses taken in related areas such as mathematics, chemistry, or physics.
Non-Thesis Option — 31 Semester Credits Required
| BIOL 571 | Independent Research | 1 - 3 credits |
Six semester credits in the M.S. program may be earned in courses taken in related areas such as mathematics, chemistry, or physics.
Non-Research Option – 39 Semester Credits
This program of study emphasizes the broader aspects of graduate studies in biology by requiring more courses in place of the thesis or research problem.
Required
Six semester credits in the M.S. program may be earned in courses taken in related areas such as mathematics, chemistry, or physics.
Undergraduate prerequisites required:
The student is strongly advised to have a statistics course before initiating the thesis or the research problem.