Illinois Tech offers a small, caring faculty giving personal attention to shape a degree suited for different needs, especially through the program's specializations. The M.S. in biology opens possibilities in industry, business, law, policy, administration, or research, either as a terminal degree or as preparation for a Ph.D.<br><br>It is an exciting time to be in the life sciences, with opportunity for students to be on the front lines of new drug discovery and technological innovation. The global life sciences industry is expanding to meet the needs of a growing and self-advocating, aging population. The discovery for and application of treatments and cures for serious illnesses such as heart disease, Alzheimer's, and diabetes is intensifying at a rapid rate. Simultaneously, there is a drive to improve our quality of life and life span.<br><br><br>The thesis option is designed as preparation for a career as an experimental biologists in academia, government, or industry, as well as a path to a Ph.D. This option is available on a competitive basis.<br><br>The non-thesis option is intended as a degree to meet the needs of science administrators, policymakers, patent attorneys, and others. A library research project or a laboratory research project is required to complete the program.