Master of Science in Biology

Would you like to develop an original research project in advanced biology? Develop an original research project? Present your findings to the larger scientific community? The University of Central Missouri’s Master of Science degree in Biology is for scientists who want to specialize in organismal biology, molecular biology or ecology. The Biology Master's Degree Program is designed with flexibility in mind. Offering both a thesis and non-thesis options. This degree can be completed fully online, on-campus or a comination of formats.

UCM’s top-notch science facilities at Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit include renovated labs and classrooms, a large animal/aquatic research center and access to many natural ecosystems. These provide ideal settings and environments for your graduate coursework and thesis research. 

Preparation for Biology master’s jobs and doctoral studies

Industry, government, and academic institutions alike place high value on the scientific skills developed in UCM’s master’s in Biology program. You’ll learn to critically review biological literature, interpet and visualize data, design and conduct research studies, and give effective written and oral presentations. 

Biology program faculty at the University of Central Missouri have strong relationships with numerous employers who offer Biology master’s jobs in the private, public and government sectors.

What you will study

You and your faculty advisor will work together to develop a specialized course of study for your master’s in Biology program. Choose from a variety of Biology electives, such as:

• Organismal biology courses (e.g. entomology, herpetology, mammalogy)
• Molecular biology courses (e.g. hematology, molecular biology/technology, virology)

UCM’s master’s program in Biology has an extensive lab and research focus to master skills across many subdisciplines of biology. You’ll perform the scientific tasks most relevant to your area of specialization. For example, you could conduct transects or capture-recapture studies to estimate population sizes. Learn to manage wild mammals using drones. You could build molecular skills and learn to identify species through genetic analysis. Microinject amphibian eggs to study developmental processes, or study neuron function in glowing worms.

You’ll also learn multiple presentation formats and strategies to share information with the larger scientific community.

Thesis and non-thesis tracks for the Biology MS

You can choose either the thesis or the non-thesis option, and classroom or online course formats to match your interests while providing flexibility. The thesis track includes required coursework paired with developing, implementing and presenting an original research project. The non-thesis track focuses on coursework in a biological field you’re interested in, as well as other course-based synthesis projects. This non-thesis track may be completed fully online and can be focused on such career paths as biotechnology, wildlife management, and higher education. Alternatively, the non-thesis path is a great way to bridge the gap between undergraduate  and professional schools such as medical school to keep advancing skills in your field.

https://www.ucmo.edu/academics/programs/masters-degrees/chst/biological-and-clinical-sci/biology-ms/index.php