Biological Sciences Master of Science Degree

What Core Courses Do You Take For A Biological Sciences Major?

At the heart of the biological sciences MS program is a three-course core that prepares you to become a skilled researcher and an effective scientific communicator. You will build expertise in analyzing scientific literature, applying modern statistical and data science techniques, creating publication-quality data visualizations, and evaluating the ethical dimensions of scientific research and communication.

• Scientific Communication and Ethics in Life Sciences: In this course you will learn how to critically evaluate scientific literature, including journal articles, government reports, and other scholarly sources. The course emphasizes effective scientific writing, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly. You will also gain experience providing constructive feedback, refining your arguments, and responding to questions in a professional and academic setting. The course examines ethical considerations in science communication, including the use of AI and issues of authorship. By the end of the course, you will complete the process of developing and presenting a thesis or project proposal.
• Computational Statistics and Data Science Methods: This course will introduce multivariate statistical methods, multi-model inference, and iterative computational algorithms (i.e. Bayesian methods and machine learning) appropriate for graduate students conducting or planning to conduct a graduate research project. The course will focus on the definition and proper application of methods to a sample data set using R programming software and graphics. You will learn to identify the common types of quantitative problems to which a computational statistical method can be properly applied.
• Scientific Data and Information Visualization: Learn principles and practices of scientific data analysis, visualization, and interpretation with an emphasis on biological information and datasets. You will develop skills in creating clear, accurate, and publication-quality figures using R and other visualization tools, while also learning to critically evaluate visualizations in the scientific literature. Topics include data structure and preprocessing, graphical design principles, multivariate visualization, effective communication of scientific findings and ethics around documentation and data integrity.

What Are The Different Biological Sciences Concentrations Available?

The MS in biological sciences prioritizes flexibility. Following the core courses, you’ll choose one of our four specialized concentrations to deepen your expertise within an area of specialty.

• Bioinformatics: The bioinformatics concentration focuses on using computational approaches to analyze complex biological data, with coursework and research opportunities in genomics, proteomics, high-throughput sequencing, machine learning, big data, and programming. It is a strong fit for students interested in biology who also enjoy quantitative problem-solving, coding, and working with large datasets. Students will develop skills in computational analysis and biological data interpretation that prepare them for careers in biotechnology, biomedical research, genomics, data science, or further graduate study.
• Cellular and Molecular Biology: The cellular and molecular biology concentration focuses on the mechanisms that govern cell function, with emphasis on molecular techniques, genetic analysis, gene regulation, and microscopy. It is a strong fit for students interested in understanding biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels through hands-on laboratory research. Students will develop advanced experimental and analytical skills that prepare them for careers in biotechnology, biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, laboratory science, or further graduate and professional study.
• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology: The ecology and evolutionary biology concentration focuses on how organisms interact with one another and their environments, with emphasis on conservation biology, evolution and adaptation, microbial ecology, and biodiversity. It is a strong fit for students interested in understanding biological diversity, ecological change, and the evolutionary processes that shape populations and communities. Students will develop skills in ecological and evolutionary research, data analysis, and field or laboratory investigation that prepare them for careers in conservation, ecological research, natural resource management, or further graduate study.
• Environmental Science: The environmental science concentration focuses on using interdisciplinary approaches to understand and address environmental challenges, integrating ecological fieldwork, environmental policy, sustainable practices, and geospatial analysis. It is a strong fit for students who want to develop a deep scientific understanding of environmental problems while exploring their implications for environmental conservation, human well-being, and economic development. Students develop multidisciplinary research and analytical skills that prepare them for careers in environmental consulting, natural resource management, geospatial analysis, and environmental science, or further graduate and professional study.

When Do Students Choose Their Concentration?

Students will select their concentration in the first semester of the program, after you have started your core courses. The program encourages you to explore all four concentrations before choosing the one that best meets your career goals. 

Culminating Experience: Thesis or Project

Students may choose a thesis or a project as their culminating experience based on their concentration and their individual career aspirations. Students who choose to complete a thesis will work with a faculty advisor to plan, execute, and disseminate original research in the form of a written thesis and presentation. Students who choose the project option will design and complete a project that can involve a wide range of academic approaches such as data synthesis, development and documentation of an education or outreach activity, or an environmental impact assessment. The thesis is 6 credit hours. The project is 3 credit hours and requires students to complete one additional elective course.