Biological Sciences (M.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

View of students working in a lab.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Jeremy Chambers, Department Head
Radhey Kaushik, Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Biology and Microbiology
Alfred Dairy Science Hall 228, Box 2104A
605-688-6141

Program Information

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 & Biosystems Engineering; Agronomy, Horticulture, & Plant Science; Biology & Microbiology; Dairy & Food Science; Natural Resource Management; and Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences. Specializations and emphases are available in the following areas:

Biology Specialization
Dairy Science Specialization
Food Science Specialization
Microbiology Specialization
Natural Resource Management Specialization
Veterinary Medicine Specialization
Veterinary Microbiology Emphasis
Veterinary Pathology Emphasis

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.

Course Delivery Format

Biological Sciences courses are delivered face-to-face and enhanced with web-based instruction. Online delivery may be offered for specific courses.

Biological Sciences Program Objectives

Graduates of the Master 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

Student Learning Outcomes

Knowledge of program: Exhibit knowledge concerning biological and/or microbiological systems/sciences at a level appropriate to a M.S. degree holder.
Communication skills: Be able to effectively express themselves orally and in written form.
Understand scientific method: Understand the scientific methods and techniques for solving research problems and analyze scientific data using the appropriate statistics.
Use statistics to analyze data: Be able to use statistics to analyze scientific data.
Specialization: Specialize in some area of biology, biotechnology and/or microbiology, but still be broadly based in knowledge in cellular and molecular biology.
Publish research: Be able to conduct and publish scholarly research. (Option A)
Professional Development: Demonstrate professional development and competence so that they may enter the work force in academia or industry.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science	Option A - Thesis	30 Credit Hours
	Option B - Research/Design Paper	32 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

The student, major advisor and Advisory Committee select the discipline specific emphasis area of the biological sciences. The courses will be identified on the student’s Plan of Study no later than the end of the first year of study.

Option A - Thesis

XXX 790 - Seminar Credits: 2
XXX 798 - Thesis Credits: 5-10
3 or more credits of STAT courses numbered 500-level or higher
6 additional course credits, designed to meet the interests and individual needs of the student
Electives Credits: 9-14

Option B - Research/Design Paper

XXX 790 - Seminar Credits: 2
XXX 788 - Research Problems/Project minimum Credits: 2-3
3 or more credits of STAT courses numbered 500-level or higher
Electives Credits: 18-19

Total Required Credits: 30 (Option A), 32 (Option B)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not a general requirement, but individual departments may require GRE
TOEFL: 71 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
IELTS: 6.0
Duolingo: 100

(Individual departments may have different requirements for GRE, TOEFL, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, and Duolingo.)

General Requirements

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

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