Arizona State University (Tempe campus)
Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ, United States Arizona, Tempe, USA Visit web page

Biology, MS (Coursework & Capstone)

Study detals

: Master's degree : Biology, MS LABIOMS : Full time : 24 Month

Requirements

Admission requirements
  • Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
  • Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they 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:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. academic record form
  4. personal statement
  5. curriculum vitae or resume
  6. three letters of recommendation
  7. 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.

Speciality

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

Also available online

Additional information

Program description

Degree awarded: MS  Biology 

The MS in biology is a flexible degree program based around a student's individual interests, allowing them to explore areas of biology that thrive outside of traditional boundaries. This degree complements other, more specialized life sciences programs, allowing both interdisciplinary and traditional approaches. Courses include laboratory, field and theoretical work.

This program currently admits students to either a thesis-based 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 doing research at the forefront of their fields. 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. This option is ideal for students who do not need intensive research training but want to deepen and expand their biological knowledge and skills. The coursework and capstone pathway is also available in an online format.

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 plus master's degree with:

  • Biological Sciences, BS
  • Biological Sciences (Biology and Society), BS
  • Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences), BS
  • Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology), BS
  • Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology), BS
  • Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior), BS
  • Microbiology, BS
  • Microbiology (Medical Microbiology), BS
  • Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology, BS

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program.

Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Qble to review the literature relevant to a research topic in their chosen area of biology.
  • Able to execute a research plan of their own design that addresses a significant scientific question about their chosen area of biology.
  • Able to communicate the rationale and results of their research, both orally and in writing.
Career opportunities

This master's degree program prepares students for life sciences careers in educational, medical, industrial and governmental institutions.

The thesis pathway is ideal for those pursuing research-intensive careers in academic or business settings. The coursework and capstone option is for those seeking careers in which deeper biological knowledge is valuable, such as secondary school teachers reaching for higher certifications, biotechnicians who want to add conceptual depth or analytical abilities to their laboratory skills, and writers who want to expand their scientific expertise.

Career examples include:

  • food, agriculture and health care scientists in academic, private and industrial labs
  • instructors at community colleges
  • researchers and technicians in government labs and nonprofit organizations
  • science teachers in elementary and high schools
  • science writers
  • wildlife, animal and conservation scientists
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