Program Description
The masters and doctoral programs in Biological Sciences allow for considerable latitude in the education and training of students. The plan of study can be designed to meet the interests and individual needs of the student. While the training of most students is largely directed to a single discipline represented within one of the participating departments, cross-discipline training is available. Generally, identification of a major professor with resources to support the student’s dissertation project is required for unconditional acceptance into the program. Therefore, interested persons should make application for program admission well in advance of the anticipated date of enrollment. Please refer to each departmental section for a listing of the graduate faculty and details regarding the areas of study offered in this program. Inquiries should be made directly to the department representing the discipline of interest.
Biological Sciences Program Objectives
- Graduates of the Master’s of Science in Biological Sciences will:
- Have a deep understanding and knowledge of biological principles related to the chosen discipline
- Apply principles into practice in the field or industry setting
- An appreciation and working knowledge of scientific research methods in the discipline
- Ability to interpret research findings and understand the implications
- Write a coherent thesis or research paper and demonstrate the ability to write a scientific journal paper
- Demonstrate competence in the major course topics covered by the student’s graduate plan of study
- Demonstrate the ability to use ethics in decision making and planning
- Demonstrate information literacy for science-based decision making and lifetime learning
Master of Science
This is a collaborative graduate program leading to the Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences. Departments that cooperate in the program are the Departments of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering; Biology and Microbiology; Dairy Science; Health and Nutrition Science; Natural Resource Management, Pharmaceutical Sciences; Plant Science, and Veterinary Science. Students interested in advanced studies in the biological sciences will have the opportunity to tailor a program that meets their interest by selecting courses offered by faculty from the participating departments.
Doctor of Philosophy
This is a cooperative program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biological Sciences. Departments that cooperate in the program are Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Animal Science, Biology and Microbiology, Dairy Science, Health and Nutrition Science, Natural Resource Management, Plant Science, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, at South Dakota State University.
Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences will:
- Have a thorough understanding and knowledge of biological principles related to the chosen discipline
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct innovative research to create new knowledge
- Demonstrate the ability to write grant proposals to secure research funding
- Utilize appropriate statistical methods to make inferences from research
- Write a coherent dissertation and submit one or more manuscripts to a scientific journal
- Understand and articulate the potential applications of basic research
- Demonstrate the ability to use ethics in decision making and planning
- Demonstrate information literacy for science-based decision making and lifetime learning
- Be prepared to enter into careers related to research and development or academic institutions.
- Contribute to the advancement of science in the discipline
Course Delivery
Biological Sciences courses are delivered face-to-face and enhanced with web-based instruction. Online delivery may be offered for specific courses.
Facilities and Services
A variety of outstanding laboratories, green houses, McCrory Gardens and Arboretum, livestock units, and field stations are available for education and research. Many Biological Sciences faculty hold appointments in the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station.
