Applied Biological Sciences, MS

This master's degree program is designed for students passionate about contributing to a more sustainable environment.

The MS program in applied biological sciences offers advanced instruction in the ecology and sustainable management of natural and urban ecosystems. Rigorous studies involving field and laboratory work are custom-designed to apply ecological or biological principles to species or ecosystem conservation problems. All programs culminate with the completion of an intensive, research-based thesis or applied project.

Faculty members support the program with backgrounds in:

ecological restoration

environmental microbiology

environmental stress physiology

desert horticulture

plant-fungal ecology

plant systematics

riparian and stream ecology

wildlife biology

Professionals with expertise in the study of evolution, natural history, and conservation of plants and animals are in high demand across sectors and industries, including county and state organizations and community management. Those with skills in laboratory work, field research, and data analysis are valuable to businesses and institutions that build deep connections within leading scientific and technological industries to create innovative solutions to challenging global problems in a technologically focused 21st-century world. Studying biology can lead to a wide range of careers, from research to teaching, health care, and policy development.

Career examples include:

biologists

fish and wildlife biologists

medical scientists

natural science managers

postsecondary biological science teachers