Biology, Master of Science
- Available Emphasis Areas:
- Biology Coursework
- Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology - Emphasis
This Master's degree allows the student great flexibility in determining his/her course of study, with the guidance of an engaged research committee. NAU's well-known biology program and solutions-oriented professors provide a multitude of pathways through which to approach research and experimentation. This degree also prepares students for future PhD work, either here, at NAU, or elsewhere.
Requirements Accordion Open
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
- All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
- All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.
Read the full policy here.
Overview Accordion Closed
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 32 - 35 |
| Major GPA | 3.0 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Emphasis or Coursework Required | An emphasis or coursework is required for this degree. |
| Thesis | Thesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Oral Defense | Oral Defense may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Research | Individualized research is required. |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Purpose Statement
The Master of Science in Biology prepares students for research-focused professions in the biological sciences, emphasizing the development of a students’ ability to develop experimental approaches that accurately capture information to solve questions and problems in their biological field of study. Our faculty members conduct research in the many fields of biology, from the level of single molecules to whole ecosystems. From the first day of entry into our program, students work closely with their faculty mentor, selecting a course of study suited to their future goals and professional interests. The program enables graduates to contribute to the forefront of knowledge in the scientific community, share their knowledge through teaching, or apply it in public service or industry.
Students pursuing the emphasis in Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology will integrate theoretical and empirical concepts in ecology and evolutionary biology to understand ecological patterns and the mediating processes that drive populations, communities and ecosystems. Students will become familiar with ecological sampling techniques and statistical methodologies necessary to characterize populations, communities and ecosystems over broad geographic regions, and will apply current approaches for identifying and mitigating the effects of invasive species and anthropogenic impacts on threatened and endangered species within the natural ecosystems they inhabit.
Student Learning Outcomes
Core Biology Outcomes
- Elucidate the major theories, research methods, approaches to inquiry and schools of practice in a biological discipline (genetics, physiology, anatomy, ecology, evolution, cell- or biochemistry, and microbiology), illustrating both the applications and relationships to other biological disciplines.
- Communicate biological knowledge, including results of research undertakings, and the rationale underpinning their conclusions, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously.
- Apply logical, mathematical or statistical methods most important or appropriate to the exploration of their field of study.
- Identify, select and defend the choice of mathematical or statistical methods or models appropriate to research questions.
- Perform empirical or experimental work independently, as well as describing, analyzing, and critically evaluating experimental data.
- Present and defend an original scientific project with the purpose of generating new knowledge:
- Summarize existing literature and interpret their research findings within the context of the existing literature.
- Precisely describe all research results and forms of scientific investigation used (e.g., experiments, field work, surveys, or calculations.
- Draw meaningful conclusions from research findings.
- Articulate the theoretical and empirical foundations of ecology and integrate their application into thesis area.
- Provide coherent summaries and insights regarding current and emerging topics in ecology, evolution and conservation biology for both general and scientific audiences.
- Apply quantitative methods to examine patterns, processes and anthropogenic impacts on terrestrial and aquatic environments.
- Examine the major theories, research methods, and inquiry approaches that scale from physiology to ecosystems.
Details Accordion Closed
Graduate Admission Information
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:- Transcripts.
- Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Additional Admission Requirements
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement or Essay
- All applicants are expected to make email contact with potential faculty members in the department BEFORE APPLYING. Applicants should only apply if a mentor agrees to support the applicant.
- Knowledge of biology at the baccalaureate level.
Master's Requirements
This Master’s degree requires 32 - 35 units distributed as follows:
- Common Course Requirements: 6 units
- Electives: 13 units
- Emphasis or Courswork Requirement - Select one: 10 units
- Biology Coursework Option
- Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology Emphasis Option
- Thesis or Non-Thesis Requirement- Select one: 3 - 6 units
- Thesis Option
- Non-Thesis Option
Take the following 32 - 35 units with a minimum GPA of 3.0:
- Students selecting a thesis option are required to complete 18 units of formal letter-graded coursework.
- Students completing a non-thesis, coursework, project, or track option must complete 24 units of formal letter-graded coursework.
Electives (13 units)
- Select biology coursework and/or electives from one or two related fields with the recommendation of your research committee (13 units)
Emphasis or Coursework Requirement - Select one (10 units)
- Biology Elective Coursework Option (10 units)
- Select additional Biology coursework and/or electives from one or two related fields, with the recommendation of your research committee (10 units).
- Biology Elective Coursework Option (10 units)
- Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology Emphasis Option (10 units)
- Select one from the following (3 units):
- Select one seminar course from the following (1 unit):
- Breadth Courses - Select one course from each of two of the following groups (6 units):
- Quantitative
- Physiological/Population/Community (3 units):
- Ecosystem/Global
- Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology Emphasis Option (10 units)
- Thesis or Non-Thesis Requirement- Select one (3 - 6 units)
Thesis Option (3 - 6 units)
- Completion of a Thesis 3 - 6 units*
- (BIO 699, for the research, writing, and oral defense of an approved thesis.
*You may only count 6 units of thesis credit toward your degree; However, students in the master's degree in biology end up taking an average of 14 units because they must register for it each semester while they are working on their thesis.- Completion of a Thesis 3 - 6 units*
Non-Thesis Option (3 - 6 units)
Students pursuing the non-thesis option, must obtain the approval of their advisor, the Graduate Program Coordinator, and the Chair of Biological Sciences.- Additional coursework chosen in consultation with your advisor (3 - 6 units)
- Perform Satisfactorily on a final oral exam.
Additional Information
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.