Program: Human Biology (M.S.) - South Dakota State University

2019-2020 Graduate Catalog

Apr 06, 2025

Program Coordinator/Contact

Volker Brözel, Department Head
Department of Biology and Microbiology
Alfred Dairy Science Hall 228, Box 2104A
605-688-6141

Program Information

The M.S. in Human Biology provides graduate-level preparation for students for successful admission to professional schools, including those not admitted directly to professional school from an undergraduate program. The program is designed to provide graduate-level preparation for students who desire admission to professional schools in human healthcare. This includes but is not limited to programs such as: Allopathic Medical Doctor (M.D.), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), Doctor of Optometry (O.D.), Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S), and Master of Science – Physician Assistant Studies (M.S. – PAS). The M.S. program allows for additional opportunities to demonstrate their academic excellence and polish their professional skills. This program directly strengthens the academic capacity of the student with special attention to advanced content knowledge and case based application, professional development and professional skills needed by the healthcare provider.

Academic Requirements

Students must maintain an overall program grade point average of 3.0.

Course Delivery Format

Biology courses are delivered in traditional lecture, laboratory, seminar and discussion formats.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science

Option B - Research/Design Paper

32 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

BIOL 576 - Advanced Mammalian Physiology Credits: 4
BIOL 719 - Professional Development Seminar Credits: 1-4 (4 credits required)
BIOL 721 - Advanced Human Anatomy Credits: 4
BIOL 721L - Advanced Human Cadaver Dissection Credits: 0
BIOL 788 - Master’s Research Problems/Project (COM) Credits: 1-3 (2 credits required)
BIOS 662 - Advanced Molecular Biology Credits: 3 (6 credits required)
BIOS 792 - Topics (COM) Credits: 1-6 (3 credits required) (Epigenetics)

Electives

Select nine credits from the following. Credits: 9

BIOL 567 - Parasitology Credits: 3
BIOL 567L - Parasitology Laboratory Credits: 0
BIOL 570 - Cancer Biology Credits: 3
BIOL 583 - Developmental Biology (COM) Credits: 3
BIOL/MICR 500-700 A course determined by the advisor and the student. Credits: 3
MICR 524 - Medical and Veterinary Virology Credits: 3
MICR 533 - Medical Microbiology (COM) Credits: 3
MICR 539 - Medical and Veterinary Immunology Credits: 3

Total Required Credits: 32 (Option B)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Score of 525 paper-based, 71 Internet based
IELTS: 5.5

Accelerated Master’s Program

The accelerated Master’s program will be available to eligible SDSU students conditionally admitted to the graduate program. Up to 6 credits applied to the B.S. program may be used to satisfy graduate credit. Students will enroll in the graduate coursework in the spring of their final undergraduate year. Once students complete the graduate coursework in the M.S. in Human Biology with B or above grades, and graduate with a B.S. in Human Biology, including all dual-credit courses, they will by fully accepted into the program.

In order to apply, students must:

Be enrolled in the B.S.in Human Biology;
Have earned 90 undergraduate credits with a GPA of 2.9 or higher;
Meet all degree requirements as stipulated by Regental or University policy;
Submit to the a statement of interest identifying how the M.S. in Human Biology will contribute to their academic and career goals;
Submit at least two letters of reference regarding his/her ability to participate in the program;
Submit scores for the GRE, MCAT, DAT, or OAT; and
Submit the application for admission to the graduate school.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .