Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Biology, Master of Science


Academic Information

Available Emphasis Areas:

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.

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Biology, Master of Science


Careers

What Can I Do with a Master of Science in Biology?

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.

Career opportunities that might be pursued:

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Research assistant
  • Wildlife biology technician
  • Native fish specialist
  • Community college instructor

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Biology, Master of Science


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Biology, Master of Science


Overview

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

Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Emphasis

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Biology, Master of Science


Details

Graduate Admission Information
Additional Admission Requirements
Master's Requirements
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Biology, Master of Science


Campus Availability

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