This Master's degree allows the student great flexibility in determining his/her course of study, with the guidance of an engaged research committee. NAU's well-known biology program and solutions-oriented professors provide a multitude of pathways through which to approach research and experimentation. This degree also prepares students for future PhD work, either here, at NAU, or elsewhere.
The biological sciences encompass numerous cutting-edge disciplines, with each offering a multitude of exciting career paths. Our Master of Science program helps you move further down one of those paths by training you in the biological sciences through coursework and research experience.
You'll receive plenty of personal attention from faculty-in the classroom, in research laboratories, and in our Biology Advisement Center. Our location on the Colorado Plateau offers high quality of life with many excellent destinations for field projects and recreation. Our graduates have exceptional placement rates in medical schools and government agencies. Whatever path you take after graduation, you will be ready to succeed.
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
| Minimum Units for Completion | 32 - 35 |
| Major GPA | 3.0 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Emphasis or Coursework Required | An emphasis or coursework is required for this degree. |
| Thesis | Thesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Oral Defense | Oral Defense may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Research | Individualized research is required. |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Purpose Statement
The Master of Science in Biology prepares students for research-focused professions in the biological sciences, emphasizing the development of a students’ ability to develop experimental approaches that accurately capture information to solve questions and problems in their biological field of study. Our faculty members conduct research in the many fields of biology, from the level of single molecules to whole ecosystems. From the first day of entry into our program, students work closely with their faculty mentor, selecting a course of study suited to their future goals and professional interests. The program enables graduates to contribute to the forefront of knowledge in the scientific community, share their knowledge through teaching, or apply it in public service or industry.
Students pursuing the emphasis in Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology will integrate theoretical and empirical concepts in ecology and evolutionary biology to understand ecological patterns and the mediating processes that drive populations, communities and ecosystems. Students will become familiar with ecological sampling techniques and statistical methodologies necessary to characterize populations, communities and ecosystems over broad geographic regions, and will apply current approaches for identifying and mitigating the effects of invasive species and anthropogenic impacts on threatened and endangered species within the natural ecosystems they inhabit.
Student Learning Outcomes
Core Biology Outcomes
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
This Master’s degree requires 32 - 35 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 32 - 35 units with a minimum GPA of 3.0:
Electives (13 units)
Emphasis or Coursework Requirement - Select one (10 units)
Thesis Option (3 - 6 units)
*You may only count 6 units of thesis credit toward your degree; However, students in the master's degree in biology end up taking an average of 14 units because they must register for it each semester while they are working on their thesis.
Non-Thesis Option (3 - 6 units)
Students pursuing the non-thesis option, must obtain the approval of their advisor, the Graduate Program Coordinator, and the Chair of Biological Sciences.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.