Biology M.S. (Microbiology Concentration)

Biological Sciences

General Program Information

The Master of Science degree program in Biology is designed to provide a broad-based education while developing research skills. Areas of particular interest to the faculty include Anatomy, Aquatic Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Cell Biology, Conservation Biology, Developmental Biology, Ecology, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Population Biology, Physiology, Science Education, and Systematics. Students successfully completing the M.S. program are encouraged to seek doctoral degrees. The program has financial support available in the form of Graduate Assistantships and Tuition Scholarships. In order to receive full consideration, applicants are encouraged to submit all materials by February 1, as decisions on offers of support are initiated at the end of March for the following academic year.

Core Requirements

  • At least two of the following Topics courses (selection of the appropriate courses will be made in consultation with the student's advisory committee and/or the graduate coordinator):
    • Biol 6100 - Cell/Molecular Biology
    • Biol 6200 - Organismal Biology
    • Biol 6300 - Ecology/Evolution
    • Biol 6400 - Systematic Biology
  • Biol 5500 - Biometry
  • Biol 5600 - Introduction to biological research (must be taken the first fall semester)
  • Biol 5700 - Seminar (students are required to take this course for two semesters, but are expected to attend departmental seminars on a regular basis, regardless of enrollment in the course)
  • Biol 5900 - Independent Studies (not to exceed a total of 9 credit hours when combined with Biol 5910)
  • Biol 5910 - Research in Biology (not to exceed a total of 9 credit hours when combined with Biol 5900)
  • Biol 5960 - Thesis