Master's Degree in Biology
Degree: Master of Science
Major: Biology
Hours: 32 (thesis), 38 (non-thesis)
Degree Description
The Lamar University Master of Science in Biology program is designed to enhance your professional competence in biology or closely related disciplines. This program can help you pursue an academic career, employment in private industry or governmental agencies in biology-oriented fields or entrance to professional schools. You may earn this degree through the thesis option, or choose the accelerated non-thesis program to work toward your bachelor's and master's degrees at the same time.
Why Study Biology at Lamar?
The accelerated non-thesis B.S./M.S. in Biology at Lamar University is designed to combine your studies by offering cross-listed undergraduate and graduate courses. After earning your bachelor's degree, you will complete the non-thesis master's program in your fifth year. You will graduate from this program prepared for employment in health professions, technology-based industries, education and government positions.
The process and the end result of writing a thesis for your Master of Science in Biology at Lamar University will launch you into postgraduate work beyond the master's level. You will be qualified for a research position by private industry or governmental agency. You will choose a supervising professor and thesis committee with expertise in your chosen discipline as you prepare to write and defend your research.
Courses You May Take
Conservation Biology: This course introduces general concepts of conservation biology with an emphasis on basic and applied research in such fields as ecology, behavior, population genetics and systematics, as they relate to the preservation of biodeversity at all levels.
Systemic and Evolutionary Biology: This is a survey of evolutionary mechanisms from molecular to population levels. It includes speciation, adaptation and historical geology.
Molecular Biology: This course is based on concepts and application of procedures for isolation and identification of components found in cells. It addresses structure and function of protiens and nucleic acids as well as the roles of these molecules in important biochemical processes.
Embryology and Development: Your studies in this course will focus primarily on the embryonic development of vertebrate organisms, although development patterns of some of the invertebrate and even non-animal groups will be visited as well. Pathways and mechanisms of development will be explored at the molecular, cellular, tissue and organismal levels from pre-fertilization through the complete development of the embryo. The interaction of evolution and development will also be considered.
Career Paths
This program will help you continue into post-graduate or doctoral studies in biology. It an also give you advanced exposure to biology, additional training to resume or change careers, or additional preparation in biology to pursue professional studies in the health sciences.
Primary Careers
Post-secondary teacher, forensic scientist, pre-med, pre-dent, pre-vet, diagnostician
- Forensics
- Zoology
- Veterinary science
- Medical science
- Environmental science
- Botanical science
- Colleges and universities
- Medical science institutions
- Diagnostic laboratories
- Government, all levels
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Policymaking organizations