Academics > Colleges/Schools and Departments > Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology > Programs > Biology > MasterofScienceinBiology
Master of Science in Biology
Within the guidelines, the individual's program is developed by an advisory committee to ensure proficiency in the basic areas of zoology, botany, ecology and genetics. The thesis track is strongly recommended for anyone considering further research or graduate activities.
Thesis Track
| Total Course Requirements | 30 hours: |
| BIO 689 Introduction to Graduate Studies | 1 |
| BIO courses, 600 level | 8 |
| BIO courses, 500 or 600 level | 6-12 |
| Graduate courses in related fields | 0-6 |
| BIO 696 Understanding Scientific Communication | 2 |
| BIO 697 Seminar | 1 |
| BIO 698-699 Thesis | 6 |
Non-Thesis Track
| Total Course Requirements | 36 hours: |
| BIO 689 Introduction to Graduate Study | 1 |
| BIO courses, 600 level | 14 |
| BIO courses, 500 or 600 level | 6-8 |
| Graduate courses in related fields | 0-12 |
| BIO 696 Understanding Scientific Communication | 2 |
| BIO 697 Seminar | 1 |
- Other Degree Requirements
Reading competency in a foreign language, usually French or German,
or
- Successful completion of courses in both statistics and introduction to computers, or MAT 565 Applied Statistics.
Preliminary written examination in the areas of botany, zoology, genetics and ecology (taken after first semester of residence).
Oral defense of thesis.
Other Degree Requirements
Reading competency in a foreign language, usually French or German,
or
- Successful completion of courses in both statistics and introduction to computers, or MAT 565 Applied Statistics.
Preliminary written examination in the areas of botany, zoology, genetics and ecology.
BIO 695 Biological Research (4) with prior approval of the research topic by the student's graduate committee; results to be presented while enrolled in BIO 697 Research Seminar.
Graduate courses must include a minimum of one 500 or 600 level course from each of the following fields: botany, zoology, ecology and genetics. Specific courses that fulfill the requirements for these fields will be defined by the faculty.
Doctor of Philosophy
The department has a cooperative Ph.D. program with the University of Louisville in aquatic biology and the environmental sciences. A student accepted to this program will complete at least one year of work at the University of Louisville taking specific course work and/or conducting research. The remaining two to three years will be spent in residence at Murray State University. A written dissertation will be required and the degree conferred by the University of Louisville. Additional information can be obtained from the graduate coordinator in the Department of Biological Sciences, Murray State University.
For more information contact: Dr. Ed Zimmerer, Graduate Coordinator, Department of Biological Sciences, Murray State University, 2112 Biology Building, Murray, KY 42071-3361, (270) 809-2786 or e-mail: ed.zimmerer@murraystate.edu.