Saint Louis University's Master of Science in Biology offers students the chance to gain experience in laboratory research, including experimental design, interpretation of data and scientific writing. SLU's Master of Science in Biology degree requires a formal research project and thesis and is excellent preparation for continued graduate studies at the doctoral level or for employment at environmental, industrial or research companies. It can also lay the groundwork for careers in academic, private or government sectors. Biology students at Saint Louis University have access to outstanding facilities on campus and at the University's Reis Biological Station. Collaborations with neighboring institutions such as Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Missouri, St. Louis, the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Saint Louis Zoo and the Danforth Plant Science Center further expand possibilities for biological research and learning. Graduates will be able to critically analyze primary literature articles by evaluating the scientific contributions of peer-reviewed publications in biology. Graduates will be able to effectively communicate scientific ideas. Graduates will be able to use appropriate instrumentation and analytical methods to collect data. Graduates will be able to demonstrate professional integrity. Graduates will be able to draw statistically valid conclusions from quantitative data. Past students in SLU's biology master's program have gone on to medical school or further study in doctoral programs and careers as research scientists, teachers, college faculty and in various capacities in pharmaceutical companies and government agencies. For students interested in ecology, evolution or systematics, additional coursework in some of the following areas is also recommended: genetics, general ecology, evolution, introductory statistics, general botany and a taxonomically oriented course.
Career Path
Graduate career path includes Research Scientist (Biology), Molecular Biologist, Microbiologist, Marine Biologist, Geneticist, Immunologist, Cell Biologist, Developmental Biologist, Pharmaceutical Research Scientist, Evolutionary Biologist, Ecologist, Clinical Research Scientist, Epidemiology Researcher, Biotech Product Development Specialist, Biomedical Scientist , Medical Laboratory Scientist, Toxicologist, Public Health Specialist (Biology Focus), Conservation Biologist, Environmental Scientist,Sustainability Program Specialist, Wildlife Biologist, Forestry Research Scientist, Teaching Assistant (Graduate-Level Biology), Fisheries Biologist, Curriculum Developer (STEM Programs), Restoration Ecologist, Academic Advisor (Biology/Science Focus), Science Outreach Coordinator, Scientific Journal Editor (Biology Focus),Climate Change Analyst (Biology Focus, University Lecturer (Biology).
