Gain the knowledge and real-world experiences you need to become an expert in the fields of biology, plant and animal physiology, and conservation and biodiversity.
An M.S. degree in biology is intended for students choosing to gain experience in scientific research with professional goals, such as graduate education; working for a federal or state agency or non-governmental organization; securing employment in industry; or teaching in secondary and higher education. The master's degree offers a general track as well as a specialization in conservation and biodiversity. Alongside 15 full-time expert faculty with a passion for their students, you will also collaborate with the Sanford School of Medicine, the USD Missouri River Institute, the USD Sustainability Program, South Dakota State University and other institutions nationally and internationally.
You will research, explore and experience the study of life from the molecule to the landscape. Because it is such a wide field, you can tailor your degree to align with your personal interests in the areas of aquatic and terrestrial ecology, conservation biology, sustainability, ecotoxicology, plant and animal physiology, molecular biology, neuroscience, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics and evolution.
A master's in biology prepares you for careers in conservation, terrestrial ecology, sustainability, neuroscience and other professions studying biology across the world. The suggested timeline for completion is two years or 30-32 credit hours depending on whether you choose the thesis or non-thesis track.
A master's in biology with a specialization in conservation and biodiversity includes a focus on life within ecosystems with 16 credit hours of electives and supporting coursework in ecology, conservation and biostatistics.
If you are a current USD undergraduate student who would like to begin a master's degree while completing your bachelor's degree, you may apply and begin the program after completion of 90 undergraduate credit hours. This accelerated one-year path to earning your master's does not require a thesis and is available with an optional conservation and biodiversity specialization.
Program Details
College
Department
Contact
Research, explore and experience the study of life from the molecule to large biomes in the Department of Biology.
Located along the free-flowing Missouri National Recreational River, the Missouri River Institute explores the natural and cultural resources of the river through its focus on research, education and outreach.
The Center for Brain and Behavior Research provides outstanding training of graduate research students and fellows, feeding the pipeline of creative independent scientists in the fields of neuroscience and behavioral science.
For more information regarding our affiliated facilities, visit the Affiliated Centers webpage.
|
Rate Type
|
Tuition (1 cr.)
|
Fees (1 cr.)
|
Tuition + Fees (1 cr.)
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
340.15
|
55.3
|
|
|
|
Online
|
470.45
|
0
|
|
|
Non-Resident
|
654.05
|
55.3
|
|
|
GA - Resident
|
180.3
|
55.3
|
|
|
GA - Online
|
310.6
|
0
|
|
|
GA - Non-Resident
|
214.3
|
55.3
|
|
This is an estimated tuition rate/credit hour, other special fees associated with your program may change the cost of tuition. Tuition rates are subject to change.
I wanted to obtain necessary skills to become a researcher and lecturer in bioinformatics, USD's Master of Science in Biology has trained me well. The experienced professors in biology have helped me reach my goal.
Pasan Fernando
