The M.S. in Biology is designed to prepare students for graduate or professional studies as well as for entering the job market. Students can pursue a general Masters degree or choose from one of three concentrations: molecular/cellular biology, microbiology or medical microbiology. Students choosing the general Masters degree design their course of study, with the approval of their advisor, and can vary from sustainability, ecology, systematics, environmental studies, or development biology.<br>Students may choose one of two pathways to complete the degree: (1) complete a research project under the advisement of one of the faculty members, and write and successfully defend a thesis based upon that research, or (2) take a comprehensive examination based upon the course work completed. The general Masters degree and the three concentrations have sets of required core courses (see Course of Study) which the student must complete, additional course work is completed from elective classes.<br><br>Students who elect to complete a thesis must complete a total of 30 credits (core plus electives). Students who elect to take the comprehensive examination must complete a total of 36 credits (core plus electives). For qualified students, financial aid packages are available in the form of graduate assistantships for teaching and research. These assistantships provide a stipend for the student and cover the cost of tuition for up to 9 credits per semester. Students can receive these assistantships for a maximum of four semesters.<br>A master of science degree can be used as a steppingstone for multiple career paths. Students may further their scientific pursuits by continuing on to earn a Ph.D. in the biological sciences. Alternatively, students may enter the work force and be employed in research laboratories in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, hospitals and federal and state agencies.