The Master’s program in Biological Sciences (M.S. and M.A.) is supported by internationally recognized faculty working on research projects funded by federal, state, local, non-profit, and for-profit organizations in a variety of different fields of biology.
Our Masters of Arts (M.A.) program consists of taking master's level courses (36 credits) and may include research experience from a faculty advisor as part of this coursework. The final culminating project of the M.A. program is a comprehensive exam. This program can be completed face-to-face or online.
Our thesis-based Masters of Science (M.S.) program consists both of taking master's level courses (30 credits) and participating in an individualized research project in the lab of a faculty member willing to sponsor you. To graduate, students write a thesis (typically 75-150 pages) about their research findings and present their research in an oral presentation to the department in a public defense followed by a short oral exam (private defense) pertaining to their project conducted by their committee. Follow this link for information on relevant forms and to learn more about the timeline of being a master student and progress towards your degree.
Follow this link to learn more about graduate assistantships. To apply, please complete the teaching assistantship application (PDF) and return it to the Department of Biological Sciences Graduate Director (mpdavis@stcloudstate.edu) electronically. Apply by May 1 for Fall positions and by Dec. 1 for Spring positions. Graduate and Teaching Assistantships include 8 credits of tuition remission each semester as well as a paid stipend. Once you are awarded a T.A. position the contract will typically cover two semesters of support with opportunity of renewal based on performance for an additional two semesters.