Biological Science Graduate Programs - Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences

Biological Science Graduate Programs

biology graduate programs

Biology is a rapidly changing science that incorporates molecular and cellular biology; behavioral and molecular ecology; developmental biology; organismal, ecological and evolutionary genetics; microbiology; aerobiology; molecular systematics; and neuroscience. Flexible degree requirements lead to careers in biology, health fields and professional or graduate school.

Overview

Students work directly with faculty in a specified area of research and plan a program of courses and overall research goals in consultation with their supervising professor. We prepare these graduate students for careers in education, industry and government, or for continued graduate studies. A wide range of research opportunities are available to graduate students including basic studies in bioinformatics, cellular and molecular biology, developmental biology, ecology, genetics, microbiology, molecular systematics, neuroscience, virology and other areas. In addition to laboratory based studies, research opportunities are available at field sites in northeast Oklahoma and field stations in other locations. An in-depth understanding of one area of specialization is achieved through elective courses, independent study and dissertation research.

  • Program Learning Outcomes

    Master of Science in Biological Sciences (Thesis Track)

    1. Students will develop the skillset to carryout experiments in a certain discipline within the Biological Sciences and obtain and understanding of how these technical skills are applied to test very different biological questions.
    2. Students will exhibit knowledge of the scientific study undertaken beyond that expected of a technician.
    3. Student will conduct original research of significant magnitude for publication.

    Master of Science in Biological Sciences (Non-Thesis Track)

    1. Demonstrate knowledge in the core areas of biology, General Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology, Organism Diversity, Evolution, and Structure, General Ecology, General Microbiology, and General Physiology.
    2. Demonstrate knowledge in a subfield of biology beyond the core-biology level: Microbial, Physiology/Neurobiology, Cell/Molecular, Ecology/Environmental, or Self Design area of focus.
    3. Demonstrate a technical biology skill.
    4. Develop communication skills relevant for the biological sciences.
    5. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of a topic within their specialty.

    Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences

    1. Students will obtain an in-depth understanding of a particular set of sub-fields within the biological sciences, which involves both knowledge of the literature and analytical ability to relate existing studies to alternative theories.
    2. Students will conduct original research, with a leadership role in the experimental design. The research will be of a magnitude that it could lead to several publications.
    3. Students will develop communication skills to function successfully in the scientific community.
    4. Students will develop research skills to the degree needed to work as independent scientists.
  • Graduate Degree Options

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    Study animal behavior, developmental biology, ecology, environmental science, evolution, genetics, microbiology, physiology, and cellular and organismic biology.

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    Study animal behavior, developmental biology, ecology, environmental science, evolution, genetics, microbiology, physiology, and cellular and organismic biology.

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    Specialized training in select areas of biological science relevant to the research interests of individual faculty members.



  • Application Requirements

    To be considered for graduate admission, the following items must be submitted to the Graduate School:

    • A completed Graduate School application
    • Statement of Purpose (admission essay)
    • 2 – 3 letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on your academic potential
    • Official or unofficial transcripts from all universities attended
    • GRE General Test results
    • $60 application fee
    • International students who studied at a university outside of the U.S. will also need to submit TOEFL or IELTS results