2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Nov 08, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Human Biology (M.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus


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Program Coordinator/Contact

Greg Heiberger, Associate Professor/Program Coordinator
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.

Course Delivery Format

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

Student Learning Outcomes


  • Integrate the biological, biochemical, physiological and structural aspects of the human body.
  • Demonstrate quantitative literacy and evaluate quantitative reasoning.
  • Communicate effectively (written and oral).
  • Demonstrate leadership and adhere to the ethical standards of the field.

Academic Requirements


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

Available Options for Graduate Degrees


Master of Science Non-Thesis 32 Credit Hours

Core Requirements


Electives


Select nine credits from the following. Credits: 9

Total Required Credits: 32 (Non-Thesis)


Additional Admission Requirements


GRE: Not required
TOEFL: 71 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
IELTS: 6.0
Duolingo: 100

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:

  1. Be enrolled in the B.S.in Human Biology;
  2. Have earned 90 undergraduate credits with a GPA of 2.9 or higher;
  3. Meet all degree requirements as stipulated by Regental or University policy;
  4. Submit to the a statement of interest identifying how the M.S. in Human Biology will contribute to their academic and career goals;
  5. Submit at least two letters of reference regarding his/her ability to participate in the program;
  6. Submit scores for the GRE, MCAT, DAT, or OAT; and
  7. 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 .