M.S. in Biology

Department website: https://www.isu.edu/biology/degree-programs/graduate-degrees/#d.en.62327

Goals and Program Description 

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology degree is designed to enable students to develop an advanced understanding of the biological sciences and the capability to teach or conduct biological research or to teach biology at the primary or secondary levels. Programs are flexible and can be tailored to satisfy the professional and goals of each student, preparing students for careers in industry or for advanced study in the life and health sciences. 

Admission Requirements

Students must meet departmental graduate program admission requirements. Students will normally be required to satisfy deficiencies of any courses typically required for a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field. 

General and Course Requirements 

Incoming M.S. students are required to complete an evaluation to assess the depth of their background in biological science and to help plan the Program of Study. The evaluation must be completed in the student’s first semester (as part of BIOL 6690), and results in an Individual Development Program (IDP) report. See the Biology Graduate Program website for guidelines and other information.

An advisory committee will guide each student in establishing their Program of Study based upon the student’s IDP, background, and research interests. Formation of the advisory committee will occur in the student’s first semester. A minimum of 30 credit hours is required for graduation, including at least 17 credits earned at the 6600 level in biology. Students in the program are required to take the following courses:

The remaining 13 credits may be earned at the 5500 or 6600 level, of which eight credits may come from a related discipline. Courses, seminars, special projects, or readings assigned by the student’s advisory committee will provide mastery in core conceptual areas in the biological sciences, including genetics and evolution; anatomy and physiology of animals or plants; cell biology, biochemistry, or molecular biology; and ecology. Students are encouraged to develop a research tool, which can be accomplished by taking additional classes in biometry, microscopy, or a related field outside the biological sciences, such as geology, engineering, economics, or computer science. A student may take an unlimited number of credits of BIOL 6650 and BIOL 6648, but a maximum of 6 credits of BIOL 6650 and 4 credits of 6648 will be counted toward the required 30 credit hours for the degree.

Research Requirements

A substantial, original research project is required, culminating in a written thesis and oral presentation of the findings at a Biological Sciences department seminar. A thesis proposal must be completed in the student’s second semester (typically spring); a written proposal will be given to the advisory committee 1 week prior to a proposal seminar (presented to the department as part of BIOL 6691), to be followed by a proposal defense. The successful proposal defense will result in the development and submission of a Program of Study to the program director. Graduate students may not sign up for BIOL 6650 (Thesis) until their thesis proposal has been presented to the department and approved by their advisory committee. A copy of all completed documents will be deposited in the student’s departmental file.

Following completion of an original thesis research project and written thesis, the student will present their research findings in a seminar presented to the department, followed by a satisfactory oral defense to the advisory committee.

Additional details regarding the graduate timeline and procedures are available on the ISU Department of Biological Sciences website.