2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Master of Science in Biology

Includes both graduate work and extensive research experience culminating in a research thesis. It is designed to prepare students for further study at the doctoral level, but graduates may also find employment in research-oriented activities of government agencies or private business firms. At least 60% of course credits must be at the 600-level.

30 credits

Required courses, 5 credits

BIO 629Seminar in Biology

1-10

BIO 630Scientific Communications

3

or

BIOT 696Research Design and Presentation

3

Students will take BIO 629 for 2 credits.

Two directed electives, 6-8 credits from

BIO 552Advanced Genetics

3

BIO 616Population-Community Ecology

4

BIO 636Immunology

4

BIO 648Biostatistics

3

BIO 654Development and Evolution of Genomes: Genomics and Proteomics

3

BIO 655Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology

4

BIO 656Ecosystem Ecology

3

BIO 657Multivariate Analysis of Environmental Data

3

Electives, 11-13

11-13 credits from any 500 or 600 level courses in ANAT, BIO, BIOT, BOT, EGNR, PHYS, ZOOL, CHEM, EXSC, GEOG, GEOL, NREM, MATH, CS, DSCI, and PSYS with permission of the program director. 500 or 600 level classes in other departments can also be used with permission of the program director.

Research requirement, 6 credits

THES 698Thesis

1 TO 6

Accelerated Master's Program (AMP)

Undergraduate students accepted to the Accelerated Master's Program (AMP) most commonly take BIOT 590, BIOT 695, BIOT 591, BIOT 594, and/or a Directed Elective. The AMP is intended for students with an interest in biotechnology.

Total Credit Hours: 30