Biological Sciences, MS

Wright State University

The program leading to the Master of Science degree provides students with the opportunity to gain a solid foundation in modern interdisciplinary biology. Graduates transition into careers as professionals in industry, government, education, healthcare and research organizations, or pursue further professional training.Areas of specialization available through the Department of Biological Sciences include, but are not limited to, the following:Cell structure and function (focus on the nucleus)Comparative and ecological physiologyEvolutionary biologyFreshwater ecosystem ecologyAquatic biogeochemistryGermline development and sexual reproductionLarge-scale ecologyHost-microbe interactionsCommunity ecologyInvasive speciesConservation biologyMolecular mechanisms of neuronal and muscular diseasesProtein interactions and networksRegeneration and stem cell biologyRegulation and function of gene expressionRNA biologyBiology education, curriculum design, and assessmentSpeciation and ecological geneticsVirology and cell communicationStudents may pursue an M.S. degree in biology through one of two options:Option 1 (most students chose this option) requires the submission and oral defense of a thesis based on original research performed while enrolled as a graduate student at the university. Candidates will be advised to enroll in specific graduate-level courses deemed appropriate for successful understanding of the research to be undertaken.Option 2 is a coursework option that requires the successful completion of 30 semester credits of graduate-level course work, including a critical literature review, a laboratory rotation, and a final oral examination.

College of Science and Mathematics