2017-2018 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Biological Sciences Program


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Colleges & Departments

Donald M. Marshall, Interim Dean
College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences
Berg Agricultural Hall 131, Box 2207
605-688-4148
E-mail:  donald.marshall@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/agriculture-biological-sciences

The masters and doctoral programs in Biological Sciences allow for considerable latitude in the education and training of students. 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. 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
  • Have an appreciation and working knowledge of scientific research methods in the discipline
  • Demonstrate 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

Graduate Faculty

Department of Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering 
Department of Animal Science 
Department of Biology & Microbiology 
Department of Dairy & Food Science 
Department of Natural Resource Management 
Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences   

Programs

Master’s Degrees

Doctoral Degrees

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Colleges & Departments