Biology (Biology and Society), MS
Program Description
Degree Awarded: MS Biology (Biology and Society)
In the biology and society concentration of the MS program in biology, students examine topics in which biology intersects with society.
The concentration tailors individual plans of study to individual needs and interests, with a solid grounding in the life and related sciences and with a rigorous analytical and interdisciplinary education. The program offers suggested courses for those wishing to focus on these areas: bioethics, policy and law; biology education research; ecology, economics and ethics of the environment; and history and philosophy of science.
Bioethics, policy and law --- Students are trained in the pressing moral, policy and legal issues raised by the biosciences and biomedicine and in the disciplinary methods necessary to address these issues.
Biology education research --- This focuses on using education research to identify ways to improve undergraduate biology education broadly.
Ecology, economics and ethics of the environment --- This area trains students in the theory and empirical methods for understanding, analyzing and shaping policy for coupled human-natural systems.
History and philosophy of science --- Students are trained in the conceptual foundations of science, especially the epistemological and methodological assumptions that shape science and its progress.
Degree Requirements
Curriculum Plan Options
- 30 credit hours and a thesis
Required Core (1 credit hour)
BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in Life Sciences (1) or BIO 611 Current Topics in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in the Life Sciences (1)
Concentration (2 credit hours)
BIO 615 Biology and Society Lab (1), taken two times
Electives or Research (21 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
BIO 599 Thesis (6)
Additional Curriculum Information
The open electives or research section allows an individual student program to be developed in consultation with the student's advisor and committee.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- academic record form
- personal statement
- curriculum vitae or resume
- writing sample
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Students are expected to have completed the equivalent of core requirements for an undergraduate major in biology or a related discipline (typically evolution, genetics and other courses appropriate to the student's particular interests). Students without an undergraduate-level competency in the sciences may be considered for conditional admission to the biology and society concentration.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
BS - Biological Sciences
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BS - Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology)
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BS - Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology)
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BS - Biological Sciences (Biology and Society)
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BS - Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior)
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BS - Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences)
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Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Learning Outcomes
- Able to contribute to original biology and society research in scholarly writing.
- Able to communicate biology and society research results in presentations.
- Able to articulate an understanding of current literature on scientific developments and their relevance to society in scholarly writing.
Career Opportunities
Those who have earned a Master of Science in biology with a concentration in biology and society are prepared for academic careers. Their skills and knowledge are also valuable for government careers in federal and state agencies responsible for management and conservation and for careers in industry and nongovernmental organizations.
Career examples include:
- food, agriculture and health care scientists in academic, private and industrial labs
- instructors at community colleges and research universities
- researchers and policy developers in government labs and nonprofit organizations
- science teachers in elementary and high schools
- wildlife, animal and conservation scientists
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- sols.grad@asu.edu
- 480/965-1768