UNDERGRADUATE | GRADUATE

The Thesis and Dissertation Handbook
M.S. in Biology
M.S. in Neuroscience
M.A. in Biology
M.S. in Biology Education

Graduate Program (M.S.) in Biology

Curriculum | Faculty with Related Research

The Master's Degree Program in Biology is designed to prepare students for further advanced study in Biology.  Faculty with various expertise in various areas of Biology ranging from molecular biology to ecological systems are available to expand the scientific backgrounds and competencies of students desiring to advance their careers in existing positions of industry, government agencies, and also to prepare students for additional professional endeavors. The degree requirements include and emphasize a research thesis based on individual laboratory in Biology. The program requires 30 credits and is designed to allow completion over a two year period on a full‑time basis.

The Department of Biological Sciences offers an M.S. degree in Biological Sciences.  This program prepares students for further postgraduate careers leading to a PhD or MD, and for career opportunities in the heath care industry, research and teaching, private industry, and government agencies.  The program strives to develop a clear method of thinking in diverse areas of biological principles and an appreciation of the natural world.
We also offer an MA degree in Biological Sciences where the laboratory research thesis is replaced with a literature-review project.

Full time students in the program can receive research stipends or teaching assistantships.

Graduate Program (M.S.) in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience

Curriculum | Faculty with Related Research

The Master's Degree Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology is a specialty degree program to prepare students for further advanced study in the area of Neuroscience.  The program capitalizes on the scientific backgrounds and expertise of a number of faculty to advance the careers of persons seeking advanced degrees. The degree requirements include and emphasize a research thesis based on individual laboratory research in Neuroscience. The program requires 30 credits and is designed to allow completion over a two‑year period on a full‑time basis.

Neuroscience – the study of the brain and neurons is one of the most exciting frontiers of  biology, and graduate training in neuroscience can qualify students for many exciting careers in the scientific workforce.  Many students who might be interested in pursuing an advanced degree in neuroscience but are hesitant to enter a PhD program immediately after graduation due to life circumstances, a lack of preparation, or uncertanty about their suitability for a scientific career. The Biology Department at DSU has developed a nre masters degree program in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience to serve our students and the biology department by:

• Building the academic and research skills of recent graduates who are interested in pursuing an advanced degree, but are not ready to enter a PhD program; 

• Fostering interest in pursuing a PhD by involving graduate and undergraduate students in research experiences;

• Creating a graduate education partnership between DSU and the Neuroscience Ph.D. program at Drexel University that will strengthen both undergraduate and graduate programs at DSU;

• Improving the preparation of biology undergraduates by increasing the number and variety of advanced courses available to them, and

• Increasing the research and research training opportunities of Delaware residents by developing the first neuroscience degree program in the state.

The Biology Department is now offering a joint DSU-Drexel MS-PhD program in which admitted students spend their first two years primarily at DSU and receive an MS degree before fully matriculating at Drexel University to complete their PhD.  The M.S. degree program at DSU will support students as they take advanced classes and complete a research project in molecular or cellular neuroscience, build their academic and research skills and prepare for dissertation research at Drexel University. During the time in which they are primarily at DSU, students in the dual-degree program will build contacts among Drexel students and faculty by selecting a Drexel faculty member to participate on their thesis committee, taking at least one class per year at Drexel and participating in Drexel seminars and graduate program events.  In addition, a joint task force of DSU and Drexel faculty will work to align DSU’s graduate and undergraduate curriculum to prepare DSU students for success.

Graduate Program (M.A.) in Biology

Curriculum

The Master's Degree Program in Biology is designed to prepare students for expanded knowledge in the biological areas of interest to the student.  The degree requirements emphasize a research-review thesis based on literature information.  This program is particularly of value to advance the competencies of secondary school teachers, and to advance the careers of persons in industry, government agencies, and other related positions. The program requires 30 credits and is designed to allow completion over a three‑year period on a part‑time basis.

The Department of Biological Sciences offers an M.A. degree in Biological Sciences where the laboratory research thesis is replaced with a literature-review project.

Graduate Program (M.S.) in Biology Education

The Master's Degree Program in Biology Education is designed for secondary or middle school teachers who desire a course of study which is strongly based in Biology, yet includes coverage of current areas of significance in Science Education. The program requires 36 credits and is designed to allow completion over a three‑year period on a part‑time basis.

For admission to the Master of Science Degree Program in Biology Education, applicants must have a bachelor's degree in Biological Science or a related field from an accredited college or university. Applicants must have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 with 3.00 minimum in the major. Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (General Test and Biology Test) must be submitted. Test scores must not be more than five years old.