Biology

• Master of Science (M.S.)

Biology is an exciting and dynamic field focusing on the study of living things and the environments they inhabit. Students completing Master of Science (M.S.) degrees from Grand Valley are successfully employed in private consulting, government, teaching, and Ph.D. positions.

Program Offerings at Grand Valley

The M.S. in biology is a versatile program that allows students to achieve individual goals while serving a diversity of student interests. Students have the opportunity to pursue graduate programs in broad areas such as population genetics, organismal biology, aquatic and terrestrial ecology, and natural resources. As a focus for these M.S. programs, we offer internship, project, and thesis opportunities. Optional emphases are offered in natural resources and aquatic sciences.

Coursework

The M.S. in biology is a highly individualized program of study. All program plans will include the following three components:

• The core curriculum
• A student's chosen emphasis
• An internship, project, or thesis

Career Options

Just as the field of biology is broad, so is the list of career possibilities for biologists. Many biology careers involve the environment, fisheries and wildlife, and laboratory research. For examples please contact the department.

Why Study Biology at Grand Valley?

• Programs can be tailored for professionals to make them more competitive as they seek job placement or advancement.
• Research opportunities are offered to all graduate students. Some will collaborate with faculty on ongoing research and others will independently find or create research opportunities.
• A highly individualized, planned program of study established by the student and his/her advisor ensures a unique learning experience designed to meet individual goals.
• The optional natural resources or aquatic sciences emphases provide opportunities to conduct research and take classes at the Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon.
• Available to full- or part-time students. Many classes are offered at times that accommodate the schedules of working professionals. A majority of students receive competitive graduate assistantships that provide a stipend and full tuition waiver, as well as some teaching experience.

For More Information

Department of Biology
www.gvsu.edu/biology
(616) 331-2470
Admissions Office
www.gvsu.edu/admissions

View all Academic Programs offered by Grand Valley State University