Biology

The BGSU master’s in biology degree prepares you for professional careers in both applied and fundamental areas of biology.

BGSU and the Department of Biology are proud of their nationally recognized faculty who conduct biological research of international significance. The faculty also strive to provide professional leadership to national and international scientific communities. For example, some of our faculty have joined a global scientific committee on harmful algal blooms, based on research conducted at nearby Lake Erie.

BGSU biology faculty and students have a strong track record of public outreach, education and applied research, embracing our mission as a public university for the public good.

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International Students

Satisfy your curiosity about the natural world

The Department of Biological Sciences conducts state-of-the-art scientific research, which is the foundation for our graduate training. Significant areas of research concentration include molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, development, genetics, physiology, neurobiology, behavior, ecology, conservation biology and evolution.

With close supervision from an advising faculty member, you will choose the theme of your studies. In addition to the master’s in biology degree, the BGSU Department of Biology also offers a Ph.D. in Biological Science.

Stand Out in courses

Microbiology
Molecular Genetics
Ecology and Conservation
Neurobiology
Scanning Electron Microscopy
Marine and Aquatic Biology

An individualized curriculum tailored to your research interests and career goals.

Curriculum

You will work closely with BGSU faculty who share your interests and will work with you to optimize your learning and research experience. Faculty interests cover a broad range of topics including neuroscience and behavior, microbiology, molecular biology, ecology and conservation biology.

To complete your degree, you may select one of two paths: a thesis-based program or a course-oriented program.

The program serves 30 to 40 masters in biology students in individualized thesis-based programs (MS-I). This two-year, 30-credit hour program culminates with the defense of an original, research-based thesis. The majority of these students are supported in this program as research or teaching assistants, which includes a stipend and tuition assistance.

Some students opt for an individulaized course-oriented degree (MS-II). These students complete a two-year, 34-credit program and a literature-review based research project that culminates with a defense examination. In general, students in this track do not receive stipends but are eligible to receive tuition scholarships.

Career

A master's in biology from BGSU provides you with many opportunities for a challenging, fulfilling and well-compensated career. Past alumni have made a significant impact in their fields of conservation biology, microbial research, wildlife biology, ecological research, science outreach, education and business.

With well-connected faculty and strong industrial and academic ties, graduates of the BGSU master’s in biology program have been successful at finding excellent professional opportunities.

GO FAR In Your Career

Behavioral, Neuroscience and Medical Research
Biotechnology
Costal Management and Conservation
Ecological Research
Epidemiology
Marine Fisheries
Medical Technology
Natural Resources Management
Wildlife Ecology

BGSU has an active program of biological science public lectures and student organizations.

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BGSU Graduate College

The master’s in biology in the Department of Biological Sciences is a part of the College of Arts and Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the master of science degree, students in the Biological Sciences are expected to be able to:

Demonstrate command of fundamental principles of biology;
Evaluate and critique biology-oriented science, social and ethical issues; and
Effectively relate scientific concepts in both oral and written formats.

Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster Review

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012 - 2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

The Biology program underwent Program/Cluster Review during the Academic Year 2019-20.

More information on accreditation

Professional Licensure (If applicable)

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Biology program does not lead to professional licensure.

Gainful Employment (If applicable)

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Biology program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.

* Job placement and salary information was compiled by the Office of Academic Assessment through the Graduation Survey from AY2015-2018. The data are gathered around the time of Commencement and a follow-up survey six months post Commencement. For the salary question, data for programs with fewer than fifteen responses are not included. Salaries for those programs are from the National Association of Colleges and Employers Summer 2019 Survey. For questions regarding the data, contact assessment@bgsu.edu.

Updated: 03/30/2023 03:03PM