Master of Health Sciences in Biomedical Sciences - Research (Thesis) Grand Valley State University, USA

The Master of Science in biology is a versatile graduate program designed to produce outstanding graduates. Versatility in the program will allow 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 genetics and cell biology, organismal biology, aquatic and terrestrial ecology, and natural resources. As a focus for these M.S. programs: internship, project, and thesis pathways are offered. Students may choose an emphasis (but not required) in either aquatic sciences or natural resources. The Master of Science in biology degree program is designed to meet the needs of baccalaureate-trained professionals who will be more competitive with a master's degree as they seek job placement or advancement, secondary teachers who prefer a science master's, and baccalaureate graduates who wish to earn a master's degree before continuing their graduate education at the doctoral level.

The Master of Science in biology helps candidates extend their knowledge in their discipline, extend their professional skills, gain experience in the application of their knowledge and skills, and develop their abilities as leaders and team members. Graduates will be professionals who have progressed from learning about science to doing science, and graduates will be able to use their knowledge and abilities to solve problems and answer questions in the complex and interactive context of local, regional, and global issues and concerns. The optional emphasis in natural resources is offered to meet the more specific needs of natural resources management professionals, while the aquatic sciences emphasis highlights the importance of aquatic ecosystems of the region. Both aquatic sciences and natural resources emphases offer students opportunities to work with faculty from the Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon as well as with Biology Department faculty at the Allendale Campus.

Research (Thesis): The research emphasis is for students who want additional knowledge and experience before applying to doctoral programs or pursuing careers involving biomedical-related research. This option may also be chosen by students who want additional preparation for professional schools. Performance of original research and completion of a thesis is required.