Biology MS
Co-Directors:
Mission Statement
The Master of Science in Biology program at Saint Joseph's University is designed to provide training in technical and professional skills for students who wish to join the workforce as proficient scientists, or for students who desire to pursue a doctoral or professional degree.
Description of Program
The MS program requires completion of traditional courses and an extensive research project that culminates with a written thesis. The degree is typically completed within two years.
Goal 1: Students will gain a deeper understanding of complex concepts in the field of biology.
Outcome 1.1: Students will be able to define advanced concepts in biology and biological research.
Outcome 1.2: Students will be able to analyze and evaluate scientific information.
Goal 2: Students will develop skills used by research scientists.
Outcome 2.1: Students will will conduct scientific research and successfully defend a thesis project before a committee.
The MS degree requires completion of 30 credits of graduate level courses.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses: | ||
| BIO 552 | Graduate Seminar (each fall semester of enrollment) | 1-2 |
| BIO 785 | Introduction to Research (not required for students in the BS/MS 4+1 program) | 1 |
| BIO 786 | Research Ethics | 1 |
| BIO 801 | Scientific Discourse (each spring semester of enrollment) | 1-2 |
| MAT 704 | Statistics for Research | 3 |
| BIO 799 | Master's Research | 13-15 |
| Electives: | ||
| Two (2) Biology electives (600 level or higher) are required (3-4 credits each). Graduate courses outside Biology may count with approval of the Graduate Program Director. | 6-8 | |
| Total Hours | 26-32 | |
Thesis Requirements
The MS degree requires completion of a research project in the biological sciences under the supervision of a research mentor. The findings are published in thesis form. A Thesis Committee will be formed to follow the progress of the candidate, evaluate the final thesis, and administer a final oral examination (thesis defense) based on the thesis research. The thesis must be acceptable in both scholarship and literary quality. To be recommended for the Master of Science degree in Biology, the candidate must receive approval of the majority of the committee members.