COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master’s programs in Biology at the University of North Texas provide advanced academic and research training designed to prepare students for careers in scientific research, environmental science, biotechnology, healthcare, and academia. The program offers two main pathways: a Master of Arts (MA), which is a 36-credit-hour, non-thesis degree focused on advanced coursework at the 5000–6000 level along with a foreign language requirement, and a Master of Science (MS), which is a more research-intensive degree requiring 24 credit hours of coursework, seminars, special problem studies, and a 6-credit-hour thesis. Students in the MS program may also choose specialized concentrations such as Computational Life Science or Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation, allowing them to focus their studies on emerging interdisciplinary fields. The department is closely connected to major research institutes that support collaborative and applied science. The BioDiscovery Institute (BDI) emphasizes sustainable plant production, metabolic engineering, and new material development, bringing together multidisciplinary teams to solve real-world biological and environmental problems. The Center for Watershed and Reservoir Assessment and Management focuses on water systems research, including methods for improving watershed and reservoir management and addressing environmental challenges. The Advanced Environmental Research Institute (AERI) conducts research on how human activities impact the environment and develops science-based solutions involving policy, engineering, and education. Students are often supported through teaching assistantships or research assistantships funded by faculty grants, providing both financial support and professional experience. Coursework includes diverse topics such as Tracing Darwin’s Path, Environmental Impact Assessment, Neuropsychopharmacology, Computational Epidemiology, Medical Genetics and Genetic Counseling, and Contemporary Topics in Environmental Science and Ecology. Overall, the program equips students with strong analytical, laboratory, and research skills, preparing them for advanced scientific careers and further doctoral study.