Master of Science in Biology (M.S.)
Bloomsburg University's Master of Science in Biology program provides advanced training in biological science. Whether currently employed as a biologist or teacher, planning to pursue employment in a biological field, or intending to enter a doctoral or professional program in biology, a solid grounding in advanced biology is essential.
Our program offers opportunities for study at the supra-organismal, organismal, cellular, and molecular levels of biology. A broad array of disciplines is represented among the faculty, allowing considerable flexibility in the selection of independent research topics. Thesis research may be carried out on campus, or at an off-campus site.
Biology (M.S.) Program Options
- Thesis Option — Students must complete a total of 30 credit hours of graduate course work, with at least 18 semester hours at the 500 level. A thesis is required for this option. Normally a student in this option will take 6 hours of thesis, and 24 hours of formal classroom course work. The thesis must be defended orally. Students in the Thesis Option do not carry out a Directed Study, as that experience is intended for the Nonthesis Option.
- Nonthesis Option — Students must complete a total of 30 credit hours of graduate course work, with at least 18 hours at the 500 level. Students choosing this option will not carry out a thesis. There are two suboptions within the nonthesis option.
- Directed Study Suboption — Students must complete at least 27 credit hours of graduate course work, and 3 credit hours of Directed Study in Biology. A directed study is a hands-on research experience smaller in scope than a thesis. Typically the directed study is completed within one semester. A written report is prepared, and presented orally to the Department.
- Departmental Paper Suboption — Students must complete at least 30 credit hours of graduate course work. They must complete a literature-based paper on a topic selected by the student and the academic advisor or mentor for the paper. The BAHS Departmental Paper carries no credit hour equivalent. The paper must be presented orally to the BAHS Department.
M.S. Program Coordinator
Thomas Klinger, Ph.D. | tklinger@bloomu.edu
116 Hartline Science Center
570-389-4118
Fax: 570-389-3028
Biology (M.S.) Application Process
- Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in biology, or its equivalent.
- Two letters of recommendation from previous science faculty are required are required.
- At least one letter should be from a faculty member who instructed the applicant in an upper-level (junior or senior) biology course.
- Applicants with research experience should submit at least one letter from a research adviser.
- Others may submit a letter from any professor with the ability to evaluate the applicant's laboratory research potential.
- Undergraduate deficiencies must be addressed prior to admission to the program or during the first semester in consultation with the program coordinator.
- Deficiencies may be addressed by undergraduate course work without credit earned toward the degree, by graduate course work when suitable, or by outside readings.
- The method of satisfying deficiencies is decided by the student and graduate program coordinator in consultation with the departmental graduate committee.
- A minimum of two weeks is required for review of a completed application by the department's graduate committee.
Research sets the stage for nationwide concussion study
As Bloomsburg University’s role in a nationwide concussion study continues, related research on campus has set the stage for a potential key discovery. Tim Shuey, a post-baccalaureate student completing his preparation for medical school, worked with Toni Bell, professor of chemistry, on providing a biochemical approach to concussion research for BU’s Institute for Concussion Research and Services. Their specific project — among the recent President’s Strategic Planning Grant initiatives — seeks a biomarker that can be developed into a reliable, easy-to-use test for mild traumatic brain injury.
Bell said their biomarker research will continue with the help of two biology majors, Andrew Denisenko and Diane Cruz.