Master of Science in Biology (Thesis)

About

The MSc Biology program offers students exciting research opportunities in modern biological sciences. Areas of interest for graduate research include: pollination biology, conservation biology, physiological ecology, life history evolution, mating systems, aquatic ecology, evolution in developmental processes, behavioral evolution, spider biology, biomedical research, biomaterials, biofilms, environmental microbiology, hypertension and stress research, bio-materials and biomechanics, developmental molecular biology and physiology, comparative biochemistry, and evolutionary biomechanics. Students entering the MS program must have a potential advisor identified during the application process. We encourage applicants to contact the Biology Graduate Coordinator for a current list of faculty accepting graduate students. The courses in this program are designed to prepare students for biotechnology-related careers in basic and applied research; in product development and testing; and in policy-making, regulation and law enforcement. The program of study includes practical training in molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics, statistical analysis, business, bioethics and professional development skills. Additional graduate course work will provide students with further expertise in their individual areas of interest, including cell, molecular, and microbial biology; environmental, ecological and evolutionary biology; and general and integrative biology. Students who complete this training will be prepared for successful employment in academic, corporate, and government settings. Biology offers a research-focused Master's degree, termed a thesis M.S. This program is designed for students who want to gain research experience but are not ready for, or are not yet committed to, the extended level of research required for a Ph.D. 

Career Path 

Graduate career path includes Biomedical Scientist (Clinical Labs, Diagnostics, Biotechnology), Molecular Biologist (Genetics, Genomics, Proteomics), Forensic Biologist (Crime Labs, DNA Analysis), Wildlife Biologist (Field Studies, Government Agencies,), Microbiologist (Food, Pharma, Environmental Testing), Environmental Biologist (Conservation, Ecology, Sustainability Programs), Regulatory Affairs Specialist (Government, FDA-equivalent, Compliance), Biotechnology Specialist (Pharma, Agricultural Biotech, Industrial Applications), Research Associate (University Labs, Industry R&D), Public Health Specialist (Disease Prevention, Epidemiology Support), Aquatic Biologist (Marine Biology, Fisheries, Aquaculture), Quality Assurance Specialist (Food, Pharma, Biotech Manufacturing), Government Policy Analyst (Health, Environment, Science Policy), Clinical Trials Coordinator.