Southeast Missouri State University 1873

Biology (MS)

close up shot of masters in biology student looking at a slide under a microscope
MS On-Campus Main Campus

DEGREE TYPE

Master's Degree

PROGRAM TYPE

Graduate

APPLY NOW

From research to real-world impact: excel in biology at every level.

A Master of Science Biology degree is focused on your interest in biology. You get to tailor the degree with a variety of interdisciplinary courses to choose from, plus the option of taking a thesis or non-thesis option.

Where Bold Ideas Take Shape in Biology

The Master's Degree in Biology curriculum allows you to pursue the area in which you are interested through coursework and independent research. Whether you are interested in research questions that incorporate the study of genetics, cell biology, tissues, anatomy/physiology, wildlife/organismal biology, there is an advisor at SEMO that possesses the technical expertise to guide you through a master’s degree in biology. Whether you are interested in studying fungi, plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, or mammals, there is an advisor at Southeast with familiarity with at least one of these groups. Some students are interested in the science of teaching biology, and there are faculty members at Southeast that can advise students along this path as well.

  • Apply the scientific method through research.
  • Master scientific writing skills.
  • Develop presentation skills.

What Can You Do with a Master's in Biology?

Recent graduates with a master of science degree from the Department of Biology at SEMO can expect a lucrative career teaching (grade-school, high school, or university level), maintaining natural resources through employment at state/federal conservation agencies, continue education through a Ph.D. program, or use their knowledge of the sciences in the private sector.

Internship, Employment, and Graduate Program Opportunities of Recent Master in Biology Program Graduates

  • High School Teachers
    • Scott County Central High School
    • Logos High School
    • Cape Central High School
    • Twin Rivers High School
    • Farmington High School
  • College or University Instructor
    • Three Rivers Community College
    • Southeast Missouri State University
    • East Central College
    • Mineral Area Community College
  • State or Federal Conservation Agencies
    • Missouri Department of Conservation
    • Department of Natural Resources
    • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Ph.D. programs
    • University of Missouri St. Louis
    • University of Florida
    • Kansas State University
    • University of Missouri
    • Texas A&M-College Station
  • Other
    • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
    • Institute for Wildlife Studies
    • U.S. Department of Agriculture
    • Monsanto

Request Info

We'd love to help you learn more about SEMO! Tell us how we can get in touch.

Loading...

Biology (MS) Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree.

View the Degree Map

Biology Master's Degree Salaries & Careers

  • $100k

    Biological Scientist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a biological scientist is $100,440.

  • $101k

    Biology Professor

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a biological science teacher, postsecondary is $101,340.

  • $73k

    High School Biology Teacher

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a secondary school teacher is $73,700.

Turn Ambition Into Action

There are two degree tracks for graduate studies in the biological sciences. Students can either choose the Plan A option (thesis option) or Plan B option (non-thesis option). The Plan A option culminates with the defense of the findings of an independent research project and a thesis describing the pertinent literature, methodology, and results of the research project. Students often publish aspects of their theses in peer-reviewed journals and present their findings at national and international conferences. The Plan B option culminates with a written critical evaluation on a specific area of study in biology and a written examination.

Required Courses:

  • BY688 Experimental Design in Biology (3)
  • Biology electives – choose 18 hours from BY515-600 level courses
  • Electives – choose 6 hours of graduate-level courses (500-600 level)
Choose One of the Following Areas
THESIS AREA:
  • BY699 Thesis (3)
  • GR699 Master’s Oral Examination (0)
NON-THESIS AREA:
  • GR699 Master’s Oral Examination (0)

Choose 3 hours:

  • BY583 Internship (1-3)
  • BY591 Research in Biology (1-3)
  • BY695 Literature Review in Biology (3

The curriculum of every graduate student in biology varies with their interests in biology, i.e., graduate students in biology often pinpoint a specific area of biological investigation and focus the majority of their attention toward developing their skills in that area of emphasis. Thus, no two curricula of graduate students will be the same. A graduate student in biology creates their degree plan (including course curriculum) with their advisor during their first semester in graduate school. This includes at least 30 total credit hours that are partially accomplished through credit hours of biology courses (BI, BO, BT, and/or ZO) However, there are courses that every graduate student in biology will have to complete for graduation.

In addition to the criteria established for general admission to graduate studies, applicants must have the following: 

  • An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale 
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale for the last 30 semester hours of undergraduate science and math courses 
  • Faculty Sponsor Agreement 
  • Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential for academic success. Letters are waived if a completed Faculty Sponsor Agreement for Curriculum A/Thesis is submitted.
Red theme background

What will it cost?

Graduate Assistantships

The graduate assistantship (GA) is designed to provide support during full-time graduate study. It’s an opportunity for the graduate students to serve in a professional role while establishing a professional relationship with faculty and administrators. In addition to a per year stipend, GAs gain valuable experience. There are two kinds of assistantships: teaching and administrative.
See Graduate Assistantship Opportunities

Become a Redhawk.

Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.

Request Info Apply Now

College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

This program is housed within the College of STEM. The College prepares students to find creative solutions to problems. Curiosity and analysis merge, creating students ready to figure things out and then use that knowledge to make things better.
Explore the College
An aerial view of the Polytechnic Building and Southeast’s Science buildings and quad.

Graduate Coordinators

Graduate coordinators serve as the contact for graduate programs. The coordinators are most often faculty within the college that houses the program, helping you to get questions answered and first-hand knowledge of the degree requirements and placement opportunities.
Dustin Siegel

Getting the Job

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, and sell your knowledge and experience—if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. Our boldly supportive faculty will provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time.
Career Services

Additional Resources

Office of Admissions
Costs
Scholarships
Department of Biology
College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Kent Library

Related Programs

Biological and Environmental Sciences

Contact Us

Location

Office

Rhodes Hall 224

Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 6200
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701
Red theme background

Take the Next Step