COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science (MS) in Biological Sciences at The University of Alabama is a structured, research-intensive graduate program where students are required to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours and demonstrate both advanced coursework knowledge and independent research ability, with clear expectations for academic performance (a minimum “B” average across all coursework). Unlike coursework-only degrees, both Plan I (Thesis) and Plan II (Non-Thesis) require students to actively engage in research, submit a formal research proposal by the second semester, and pass both written and oral examinations before graduation, ensuring that every student develops strong scientific reasoning and communication skills. In Plan I (Thesis option), students complete 24 hours of coursework plus 6 hours of BSC 599 (Thesis Research), culminating in a formal written thesis based on original independent research, which must be defended before a graduate committee, making this the more traditional route for students aiming for PhD programs or research careers in academia or industry. In Plan II (Non-Thesis option), students complete 30 hours of coursework and replace the thesis requirement with BSC 598 (Non-Thesis Research) and a written research report approved by the graduate committee, along with a formal oral defense, meaning even the non-thesis track still maintains a strong emphasis on applied research and scholarly output. The program includes core requirements such as BSC 505 (Introduction to Graduate Studies) and BSC 601 (Biological Sciences Seminar), plus a wide selection of advanced biology electives covering fields like genomics, ecology, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, bioinformatics, toxicology, and environmental science, allowing students to tailor their expertise while still meeting rigorous research expectations. Overall, the MS program is designed for students who want serious training in scientific research methods and are prepared for independent investigation, making it a strong pathway toward PhD programs, research careers, or advanced roles in biotechnology, healthcare, and life sciences industries.