​Biology MS Degree

The Biology M.S. program requires 30 graduate-level credits and the completion of research-based thesis.  Graduate students work closely with a thesis advisor and thesis committee to complete their thesis research. 

• Thesis based M.S. - 30 graduate-level credits required

Required Core (7 credits)

• BIOL 601 Biometrics (2 credits)
• BIOL 602 Research Methods/Proposal (2 credits)
• BIOL 695 Graduate Seminar (1 credit; 3 Seminar credits required)

Required Selected Topics (4 credits)

• BIOL 619 Selected Topics (2-3 credits)
• BIOL 606 Paradigms in Ecology (2 credits)
• BIOL 605 Ethical Issues in Biological Research (2 credits)
• ENVR 619 Selected Topics (2-3 credits)

Required Electives (13-22 credits)

• any 500- or 600-level Biology courses in consultation with your graduate advisor

Required Thesis

• BIOL 699 Thesis (3-6 credits)

Note: At least one-half of the required graduate credits for the program must be at the 600-level, not including thesis credits. For example:

• The thesis track requires at least 12 credits of 600-level courses (not including BIOL 699).
• The alternate plan paper track requires at least 16 credit credits of 600-level courses (not including BIOL 694).