The Master of Science degree in Biology is designed to prepare students for biological research, doctoral study, technical positions in university, hospital and public health laboratories, the biotechnology industry or other industry settings, government agencies, and community college teaching. Graduate students may focus their studies in any of the following areas: animal biology, applied microbiology, biotechnology, cell biology, developmental biology, ecology, environmental biology, environmental microbiology, evolution, genetics, immunology, marine biology, molecular phylogenetics, mycology, neurobiology, physiological ecology, plant biology, population genetics, virology, or zoology.

Requirements for the Degree Program

A minimum of 30 units is required, with at least 21 units in 5000-level courses. A thesis is required. All students must complete BIOL 5000 Graduate Orientation during the first semester of attendance,  BIOL 5100 (Seminar: Biology) twice during their first year in classified graduate standing, and BIOL 5200 Professional Writing in the Life Sciences, within the first two semesters after joining a research laboratory. Students also must fulfill all University requirements including the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement  (GWAR). All students must present their thesis research in a department seminar.

The M.S. degree requires a minimum of 9 units of 4000 or 5000-level elective courses in biology or related fields. These courses are selected in consultation with an advisor and should provide the student with the necessary background for thesis research.

The M.S. degree also requires a minimum of two graduate seminar courses (3 units each) in addition to BIOL 5000 (1), BIOL 5100 (1,1), BIOL 5200  (2) and 

Graduate Research (4 units):  BIOL 5970 

Thesis (6 units):  BIOL 5990