Biology, MS

Requirements

The Master of Science degree in Biology requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, at least 27 of which must be completed at Roosevelt University. Each student will develop an academic plan in consultation with a faculty advisor. Students may focus their studies in the areas of Cellular & Molecular Biology, Physiology & Developmental Biology, or Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology. Students are not required to formally declare a concentration. 

See the list below for recommended courses in each area of focus. 

RESEARCH AND INDEPENDENT STUDY

All students must complete 3 credit hours of research training by enrolling in either Research in Biology under the sponsorship of a faculty member (BIOL 492 RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY) or in the regularly scheduled Research Methods course (BIOL 468 RESEARCH METHODS). It is recommended that BIOL 492 RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY be taken for 3 credit hours in a single semester, but it may be taken in increments to total 3 credit hours. Following the initial research experience, qualified students may pursue advanced study toward a master's thesis by enrolling in 3 to 6 additional credit hours of thesis work (BIOL 485 THESIS).

Independent study in literature research (BIOL 495 INDEPENDENT STUDY), off-campus internships (BIOL 491 BIOLOGY INTERNSHIP) and course by arrangement options are also available. These options are included in the total graduate credit hours but do not substitute for research requirements. No more than 10 total credit hours may result from independent study or research unless approved by the graduate program director or department chair.

SCHEDULED COURSES

The coursework for the degree may be chosen from the list below, from other scheduled courses in BIOL, CHEM or BCHM at the 400-level or through individualized registration as described above. 

Required Courses
RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY
RESEARCH METHODS
Cellular and Molecular Biology
FERMENTATION SCIENCE
BIOCHEMISTRY
EXP. MTHDS BIOCHEM & BIOTECH
ADVANCED BIOCHEMISTRY
BIOCHEMISTRY SEMINAR
GENERAL GENETICS
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
CELL BIOLOGY
CANCER BIOLOGY
MICROBIOLOGY
VIROLOGY
INTRODUCTION TO GENOME ANALYSIS
IMMUNOLOGY
SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY
Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology
QUANTITATIVE ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION
BIOSTATISTICS
BOTANY
MARINE BIOLOGY
ECOLOGY OF TALLGRASS PRAIRIES
GENERAL GENETICS
INTRODUCTION TO GENOME ANALYSIS
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY: AFRICA
BIOLOGY OF BIRDS: ORNITHOLOGY
SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY
Physiology and Development Biology
HUMAN CADAVER ANATOMY
HISTOLOGY & ULTRASTRUCTURE
PHYSIOLOGY: MECHANISMS AND DISORDERS
NUTRITION IN AMERICA
EVOLUTIONARY PHYSIOLOGY
CLINICAL BIOETHICS AND MEDICAL LITERATURE
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
CELL BIOLOGY
IMMUNOLOGY
SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY
Total Credit Hours36

The degree map is a general guide to each term on the academic pathway to the MS Biology degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information and assumes full-time study (although part-time study is allowed in this program). This degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change. Students retain the same course requirements as when they first enroll, as long as they are continuously enrolled in the program. No more than two grades of C (not C-) may be applied toward the 36 hours used for the degree. A graduate course can only be repeated once; no more than two courses can be repeated. 

Please note: always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan will look different. 

Year 1
FallCredit HoursSpringCredit Hours
BIOL 4XX with lab3BIOL/BCHM 4XX3
BIOL 4683BIOL 4XX with lab5
BIOL/BCHM 4XX3BIOL 4XX3
 9 11
Year 2
FallCredit HoursSpringCredit Hours
BIOL 468 or 4923BIOL 4XX with lab5
BIOL/BCHM 4XX3 
BIOL 4XX5 
 11 5
Total Credit Hours 36