The Department of Biology has two master of science degrees:
1) MS in Biology (general)
2) MS in Biology with an emphasis on conservation

The general biology MS is designed to prepare students for careers in all areas of biology. The conservation biology MS is designed to prepare students for careers with state and federal agencies or non-governmental organizations. The Department of Biology offers both the Plan A and the Plan B Master of Science degree. Plan A requires completion of six credit hours in BIO 798 (Thesis), one credit hour in BIO 730 (Seminar), 23 hours of graduate course work approved by the student's adviser and advisory committee, and an oral defense of the thesis. Plan A is recommended to those students preparing for research-oriented careers or for doctoral study. Plan B requires the completion of 36 credit hours of graduate-level course work approved by the student's adviser and advisory committee and a written and/or oral comprehensive examination over the course work. Students may pursue the conservation biology MS as Plan A or Plan B. The conservation biology MS requires completion of BIO 680 (Conservation Biology) and BIO 650 (Population Ecology). For more details download the Graduate Handbook.