This program offers four specializations:
It is a traditional thesis program requiring 32 semester hours of course work. One will have the opportunity to structure his or her course work and thesis topic according to his other particular interests in biology. Whether one wants to go on to doctoral work, employment, or teaching in the field, a master's in this program is ideal. Some representative careers include: bioremediation, marine biology, medical research, microbiology, education, pharmaceutics, and public health.
Two Specializations:
The Coastal Zone Studies (CZS) program in biology is a non-thesis tract degree program that incorporates course work in biology, environmental studies and geology. The program is designed to provide interdisciplinary knowledge and skills necessary for understanding 
and managing the coastal environment founded on a solid grasp of the biological principles of the system. Course work includes directed studies at the 5000 and 6000 level to allow for "hands-on" experience working in biology. The degree is particularly relevant to individuals seeking employment in federal, state, or private consulting agencies concerned with overseeing coastal environments.
This specialization is one in which in which students are provided a solid background in the biological sciences and methods to identify and solve problems, management practices, and techniques in scientific research and/or policy-making as they pertain to the environment.
This non-thesis track is designed to prepare students to teach in the biological sciences at the post-secondary level. The experience includes an instructional methods course (6 sh) that puts the student in the college-level teaching environment to design and present laboratory exercises and course lectures as well as complete a solid foundation of courses designed to provide the student with a strong background in the life sciences.
For chemistry majors interested in entering a 5 year (fast-track) masters program in Biological chemistry (specialty) in Biology. The BS in chemistry (Biological Chemistry Track) and the MS in Biology (Biological Chemistry Track) will be conferred concurrently upon completion of the requirements for the MS degree. Only students who have maintained a 3.0 or greater GPA may enter this program.
The Department of Biology has created an educational opportunity for its majors that reduces by 16 credit hours the number of hours required to earn both a BS in Biology and an MS in a Biology-Biotechnology Track. This “fast-track” is designed to provide students with a strong background in cutting edge technologies and knowledge in modern biology and will provide you with a solid foundation for seeking employment in the biotechnology or related industries, for entering a PhD program in a Biotechnology/Molecular field, or for improving your GPA for acceptance into professional school.
