COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Biology at California State University, San Bernardino requires a total of 30 graduate-level units. The program combines core courses, electives, research, and a culminating thesis experience. Core courses include Ethics in Biological Research, Biostatistics and Experimental Design, Effective Teaching Strategies for Graduate TAs, Professional Writing, Presentation in Biological Sciences, and Primary Literature in Biology. Students also complete supervised graduate research, a thesis proposal, and independent graduate research courses. Additional requirements include electives chosen from biology or related fields, with up to three units of independent study/research applicable toward these electives. The program concludes with a three-unit Graduate Thesis (BIOL 6970) as the culminating experience. This structure allows students to develop specialized research skills while maintaining flexibility to tailor coursework to individual interests, preparing them for professional careers, doctoral studies, or academic positions. The program is generally completed in 1–2 years of full-time study, depending on the pace of coursework and thesis research.