COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Biology at Southeast Missouri State University is a graduate program designed to give students advanced training in biological sciences while allowing flexibility to specialize in their area of interest. The curriculum centers on experimental design in biology as a core course, along with a broad selection of graduate-level biology electives that can be tailored to topics such as genetics, ecology, cell biology, organismal biology, physiology, and other advanced biological disciplines. Students also complete additional graduate-level electives to broaden their academic and research expertise. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options. In the thesis track, students conduct original research, complete a formal thesis project, and defend it through a master’s oral examination, emphasizing independent scientific investigation and scholarly contribution. In the non-thesis track, students complete a comprehensive oral examination instead of a research thesis, focusing more on coursework and applied understanding. All students are also required to complete additional experiential or scholarly work, which may include an internship in biology, independent research, or a literature review in biology. This structure allows students to gain practical experience in research settings or deepen their understanding of scientific literature and methodologies. Overall, the program prepares graduates for careers in biological research, healthcare, environmental science, education, or further doctoral study by strengthening their skills in experimental design, scientific analysis, critical thinking, and communication within the biological sciences.