The Master of Science in Biology is a thesis research program. Students complete coursework that allows them to master the concepts and techniques of their chosen discipline. They also conduct original research under the direction of a faculty member, and write up their findings as a masters thesis. Typically, students take two to three years to complete their graduate degree requirements.

Students who graduate with an MS in Biology from Sonoma State University will:

• demonstrate a strong knowledge base in their sub-discipline of biology
• display critical thinking
• demonstrate a mastery of research approaches
• have effective written and oral communication skills

Graduates of this program find themselves with an enhanced understanding of biology and first-hand experience in the practice of science. Many of our students go on to doctoral programs, others use their degree to pursue careers in teaching, research, environmental consulting, resource management, industry, and various health professions.

https://biology.sonoma.edu/programs/graduate

Graduate Curriculum

A total of 30 units of course work is required for completion of the masters degree.  A minimum of 15 units must be at the 500 (graduate) level.  Graduate students must be supervised by a research faculty for the full duration of their program. Students, in consultation with their Research Advisor and Advisory Committee, choose courses that will prepare them to pass their qualifying exam and successfully conduct their thesis research.  Graduate courses in biology are comprised of two unit graduate seminars (Biology 500S). Graduate seminars are offered every semester with a rotation of topics that serve the variety of graduate research interests in the graduate program.

https://biology.sonoma.edu/programs/graduate/curriculum