COURSE CURRICULUM

The Integrative Biology M.S. program at University of New Hampshire is a research-focused graduate degree designed to train students in broad, interdisciplinary biological science while developing strong technical and communication skills. To earn the degree, students must complete a minimum of 30 graduate credits, including 6–10 credits dedicated to thesis research through BIOL 899, and successfully complete a thesis proposal, written thesis, oral defense, and final approval by a Master’s Thesis Committee and the Graduate School. The program is structured to ensure both depth and breadth, requiring students to follow a customized plan of study developed with their advisor and committee. Core academic requirements include BIOL 901 Introductory Graduate Seminar, two courses in experimental design and statistical analysis, one course in scientific writing or communication, and an ethics requirement that can be met through Responsible Conduct of Research training or a graduate-level ethics course. In addition, students are expected to engage in elective coursework aligned with their specialization, allowing flexibility to focus on areas such as ecology, genetics, physiology, neurobiology, or conservation biology. The program also emphasizes professional development beyond coursework, including presenting research in public seminars and participating in events like the UNH Graduate Research Conference, as well as gaining teaching or mentoring experience. Up to 8 credits may be transferred from other institutions if approved and not previously used toward another degree. Overall, the program is designed to prepare students for advanced careers in academia, government research, environmental and biological sciences, or further doctoral study by combining independent research, structured training, and interdisciplinary scientific preparation.