Master of Science in Biology

A master's in biology prepares you for careers in conservation, terrestrial ecology, sustainability, neuroscience and other professions studying biology across the world. The suggested timeline for completion is two years or 30-32 credit hours depending on whether you choose the thesis or non-thesis track.
Ideal for students choosing to gain experience in scientific research with professional goals, such as graduate education; working for a federal or state agency or non-governmental organization; securing employment in industry; or teaching in secondary and higher education, Master of Science in Biology offers a general track as well as a specialization in conservation and biodiversity. Alongside 15 full-time expert faculty with a passion for their students, you will also collaborate with the Sanford School of Medicine, the USD Missouri River Institute, the USD Sustainability Program, South Dakota State University and other institutions nationally and internationally.

You will research, explore and experience the study of life from the molecule to the landscape. Because biology is such a wide field, you are able to tailor your degree to align with your personal interests in many areas such as aquatic and terrestrial ecology, conservation biology, sustainability, ecotoxicology, plant and animal physiology, molecular biology, neuroscience, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics and evolution.

Students with Baccalaureate degree must be from an institution with full regional accreditation for that degree. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on conferred degree and/or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework is required for full admission.

English Language Requirements:

A minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, or a minimum PTE score of 53 is required for graduate admission.