Biology, M.A.

Master of Arts (MA) in Biology

The Biology master’s degree programs of­fer a contemporary biology curriculum that emphasizes the principles and experimen­tal approaches of modern biology. The MS program  emphasizes design and execution of experimental research, while the MA pro­gram emphasizes career building.

As a student in the MA degree program, students will have the option of pursuing an internship or completing their degree with coursework only. Students in the MA degree program will most likely be working professionals in­terested in advancing their careers by gaining expertise in the field of biology.

Careers and professions available to graduates of the program

The program advances the skills and training of students with degrees in Biology or related fields, making them competitive for jobs in private, academic, and government research institutions, clinical laboratories, government agencies, as well as for those seeking teaching opportunities and to strengthen their applications to doctoral programs and other professional programs. Graduates with master’s degrees in Biology are expected to have additional opportunities in nonscientist positions re­lated to biology, in fields like sales, market­ing, publishing, and research management. Some examples of nonscientist job titles that require or prefer a master’s degree include proposal development specialist, global product manager, technical sales represen­tative, and land management specialist.

Objectives of the program

The MA program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework designed to meet stated objectives of student learning for the program. All credit hours must therefore be graduate level (400-level or higher) courses in biology, or cognate courses tailored to individual student interests, in chemistry, mathematics, computer science, engineer­ing, health science, or medical technology. All cognate courses are subject to depart­mental approval of their contributions to ei­ther the research or career skill acquisitions listed in the programs objectives (see item III.1 below). Every student in either program must take the core courses BIOL 445 , BIOL 470 , BIOL 490 , and MATH 423B . Students choosing the non-the­sis option (MA) must earn 36 credits which include 11 credits of core courses, plus 25 additional graduate credits that may be comprised of Biology or approved cognate courses designated as molecular (minimum of 2), organismal (minimum of 2), BIOL 498 Internship , or BIOL 499 Master’s Research .

Program admission and special requirements

Applicants to the MS and MA programs must submit the following documents:

• Official transcripts of all undergraduate (and any graduate) work.
• Evidence of successful completion of the baccalaureate degree, with an overall cu­mulative index of B as well as a B or bet­ter average in program prerequisites: Biol­ogy and cognate science courses, such as Biochemistry, Chemistry, or applied clini­cal lab-based science courses.
• Two letters of recommendation.

Prerequisites for admission include at least one course with a grade of C or bet­ter in each of the following areas:

• Two semesters of chemistry
• One semester of mathematics at least at the level of pre-calculus, or physics 
• One semester of one of the following: ecology, evolutionary biology, environmental science, or a taxonomy class (botany, comparative zoology, entomology, herpetology, etc)
• One semester of physiology
• One semester of microbiology, immunology, or cell biology
• One semester of genetics or molecular biology

The courses must be designated as appropriate for Biology majors. Students will not be admitted to the program with more than 9 credits of deficiency. Credits from courses addressing deficiency do not count toward the MS/MA degree. Deficiencies must be remediated in the first 15 credits of the program either at UB or, with prior per­mission from the program chair, from else­where.

Learning outcomes

The program will prepare graduates to:

• Search, read, and interpret current biologi­cal literature;
• Develop an in-depth understanding of the scientific issues of a particular area of bi­ology;
• Develop expertise in research methods associated with an area of biology;
• Develop professional skills related to work in a specific area of biology or bio­medical science;
• Integrate techniques, skills, and under­standing of scientific principles across various area sub-disciplines of biology.

The MA program will also develop profes­sional work skills, including the ability to:

• Integrate knowledge of biology and bio­logical research to occupations in clinical settings;
• Apply knowledge of biology and biologi­cal research to occupations in commercial or policy settings.

These objectives serve the University’s mis­sion to offer “career-oriented undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees and pro­grams for people seeking personal and pro­fessional growth.”

Graduation requirements

Comprehensive examination: All students must pass an oral or written comprehensive examination as determined by their advisors, covering current theory, application, and re­search in areas appropriate to their training and interests.