The Master of Science in Biology program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania is designed for students wishing to pursue the study of biology beyond the baccalaureate, both to increase depth of knowledge and to further develop the capacity to apply that knowledge by conducting independent research in a professional context.
Graduates of the program can expect to be employed directly by private industry, government, and educational institutions. Many of our graduates pursue additional graduate work at the doctoral level. Thus, the M.S. program successfully prepares candidates seeking either a terminal degree or further graduate study.
The Department of Biology at IUP is diverse. Four broad areas form the focus of research and graduate studies in the department:
- Ecology and animal behavior
- Organismal biology and physiology
- Cell and molecular biology
- Science education
Program Requirements
Requirements for the degree ensure that students will gain greater depth of knowledge while retaining a broadly based perspective.
All M.S. candidates must successfully complete a minimum of 35 credits of course work and pass an oral/written competency exam in biology. Required Core Courses include Biometry, Biology Seminar I and II, and one course in each of three areas: Cell/Molecular Biology, Organismal Biology, and Ecology/Evolution. The thesis option requires the student to complete 6 cr. of Thesis, which involves original research leading to a written thesis, an oral defense, and a public seminar. Thesis students are expected to publish results of their research efforts. The thesis option is necessary for students who expect to continue their graduate education. A non-thesis option is available for students who are seeking a terminal degree. The non-thesis option entails a research program scheduled as 3 cr. of Independent Study, culminating in a written project report. Elective courses round out the program for both options.
For more information, see the graduate catalog:
M.S. in Biology
