Biological Sciences, M.S.

Return to: 3170 Department of Biology  

The Biology Department’s Master of Science (M.S.) program offers students from diverse academic backgrounds an excellent opportunity to advance their training in the biosciences and develop critical thinking and communication skills. Working closely with experienced faculty, students can tailor their studies to meet specific academic and professional goals through five distinct concentrations. The general track provides the most flexibility, allowing students to build a broad foundation in biology by providing diverse elective courses based on their interests and career objectives.  The biotechnology concentration focuses on applied biological science courses and prepares students for careers in the biotech industry or related fields by gaining advanced biotechnology knowledges and hands-on experience with molecular biological techniques. The bioinformatics concentration combines biology with computer science and data analysis, equipping students with skills to manage and interpret large biological datasets, and prepare for data-driven research. The research concentration emphasizes original scientific investigation and is designed for students planning to pursue a Ph.D. or research-oriented careers.  The medical sciences concentration is tailored for students preparing for medical school or other health-related professional programs by providing advanced coursework relevant to medical and clinical sciences. All M.S. students must complete a capstone course before graduation. This course serves to demonstrate their learning and skills accomplished during the program, providing a comprehensive overview of the student’s academic growth and achievements. This combination of specialized knowledges and transferable skills prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in academia, industry, and government sectors.