Master of Science in Biology

There are three options available to students interested in obtaining a Master of Science Degree with a Major in Biology from PSU (see degree options below). Typically, master's degrees are obtained within two years of matriculation. Individual master's programs are developed by the student in consultation with his or her faculty advisor and a graduate committee. Areas of study depend on the research interests of individual faculty. A limited number of graduate teaching assistantships are available each year in the Department of Biology. These provide a small stipend and valuable teaching experience. Assignments are usually made in the laboratory sections of undergraduate courses. When students are accepted into the graduate program, they receive an application for an assistantship with the admission information packet.

Degree Options

• Option I - Thesis A minimum of 30 credit hours including the requirements below.
  • BIOL 800 Seminar (minimum of one hour)
  • BIOL 801 Introduction to Research
  • BIOL 890 Research and Thesis (4-6 hours)
    With the approval of the advisor and chairperson, up to nine hours may be taken outside the Department of Biology. All full-time graduate students are required to attend graduate seminar when offered.
• Option II - Problem A minimum of 32 credit hours including the requirements below.
  • BIOL 800 Seminar (minimum of one hour)
  • BIOL 801 Introduction to Research
  • BIOL 891 Research Problems (3-6 hours)
    With the approval of the advisor and chairperson, up to nine hours may be taken outside the Department of Biology. All full-time graduate students are required to attend graduate seminar when offered.
• Option III - Professional Masters A minimum of 36 credit hours including the requirements below.
  • BIOL 800 Seminar (one hour)
  • BIOL 801 Introduction to Research (3 hours - with a grade of B or higher)
  • BIOL 803 Biometry (3 hours)
  • BIOL 892 Professional Experience (3 hours)
    This option is intended for science professionals (e.g. in-service teachers and individuals in environmental, ecological, or biotechnological careers) who need more experience and focused preparation in areas of biological science.

Admission Requirements

Students must have completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with at least 25 hours of acceptable undergraduate courses in biology. These should include fundamental courses in botany, ecology, zoology, genetics, microbiology, and physiology. A cumulative total of 13 hours of chemistry, including organic chemistry is required. However, a student may count certain senior-graduate or graduate level chemistry for the degree requirements upon the recommendation of the advisor.

About Biology Department

We have undergraduate programs covering the range of modern biology including: pre-health (pre-med, pre-dentistry, pre-vet, pre-optometry, pre-physical therapy, pre-physician assistant), medical laboratory sciences, cell and molecular biology, wildlife biology, fisheries and aquatic sciences, botany, ecology, and secondary education.

There are almost 400 students in the undergraduate program and about 20 in the graduate division. The Department of Biology has 13 full-time faculty with a wide range of interests. The faculty are dedicated and committed to Pittsburg State University and the department, but most importantly, to students. Most faculty are actively engaged in research activities, national professional organizations, and professional service.

Biology Homepage

https://www.pittstate.edu/academics/academic-programs/biology/biology-masters-degree.html