Biological Sciences (M.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

View of students working in a lab.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Yajun Wu, Interim Department Head
Radhey Kaushik, Professor and 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 and Biosystems Engineering; Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science; Biology and Microbiology; Dairy and Food Science; Natural Resource Management; and Veterinary and 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 master’s 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 interests 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-disciplinary 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 an 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.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science

Thesis: 30 Credit Hours
Non-Thesis: 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.

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

Non-Thesis

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 (Thesis), 32 (Non-Thesis)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not a general requirement, but individual departments may require GRE
TOEFL iBT: 4
TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
IELTS: 6.0
Duolingo: 100

(Individual departments may have different requirements for GRE, TOEFL iBT, 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 .