Biology, MS

Deepen your knowledge of the life sciences and build strong conceptual foundations in frontier areas of modern biology.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS Biology

The Master of Science program in biology is a flexible degree program based around a student's individual interests, enabling them to explore areas of biology that exist outside of traditional boundaries. This degree complements other, more specialized life sciences programs, allowing both interdisciplinary and traditional approaches.

This program currently admits students to a thesis-based pathway, an applied project pathway, or a coursework and capstone option. Students in the thesis pathway receive hands-on training and craft an individualized plan of study focused specifically on their own research interests. They work closely with an advisor from ASU's faculty of top-tier scientists and conduct research at the forefront of their field. Students develop foundational research skills in the course of designing and completing their own research project.

In the coursework and capstone pathway, students build an individualized curriculum from a wide variety of courses taught by global experts. In their final semester, they delve more deeply into their own area of interest by completing a capstone project. While students have flexibility in the choice of their topic, they will need to adhere to the project requirements (e.g., a literature review or research proposal) of the capstone course. This option is ideal for students who do not need intensive research training but want to deepen and expand their biological knowledge and skills. With permission of the program director, students may complete an applied project instead of a capstone. The coursework and capstone pathway is also available in an online format.

The applied project pathway is an alternative option to the capstone pathway where a student completes the applied project course under the mentorship of a single faculty member on a project that can be completed in one semester (e.g., extended literature review, analysis of a dataset, etc.). Students must secure a SOLS faculty mentor willing to guide their project and complete the applied project proposal form (due by the last day of class the semester before the student plans to enroll in the applied project course). The final product of the applied project is either a written report or a presentation, and the faculty mentor assigns the grade. Students should note: the program cannot help students find mentors. Students can transition into this pathway mid-program if they secure a mentor.

Learning Outcomes

Review the literature relevant to a research topic in their chosen area of biology.
Carry out all aspects of a life sciences research plan that addresses a significant scientific question about their chosen area of biology.
Apply principles of ethical research conduct to the design, analysis, and communication of biological research topics of their interest.

At a Glance: program details

Location:
Tempe campus,
or
online
Second Language Requirement: No

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

30 credit hours including the required applied project course (BIO 593)
30 credit hours and a thesis
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (BIO 597)

Required Core (1 credit hour)
BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in Life Sciences (1) or
BIO 611 Current Topics in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in the Life Sciences (1)

Other Requirements (2 credit hours)
BIO 541 SOLS Seminar Series (1)
BIO 542 SOLS Current Topics in the Life Sciences (1)

Electives (21 or 24 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours)
BIO 593 Applied Project (3)
BIO 597 Capstone (3)
BIO 599 Thesis (6)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students choose one of three culminating experience options listed above. The number of credit hours required for the electives depends on the culminating experience chosen; all students must complete 30 credit hours to complete this program.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in biology or a related discipline from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants must submit the following:

graduate admission application and application fee
official transcripts
academic record form
personal statement
curriculum vitae or resume
three letters of recommendation
proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

It is desired that applicants have research experience.

Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

BS - Microbiology

Investigate the unseen world of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms and how they shape life, health and the environment. Develop laboratory and analytical skills to prepare for your career by uncovering how microbiology drives innovation and discovery in science and society.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Biological Sciences

Explore the diversity of living systems and the connections that sustain life. Develop analytical skills and laboratory experience while examining how biological systems function, evolve and interact. Gain a foundation in modern biology that prepares you for a variety of careers.