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.
Ideal 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, Master of Science in Biology 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 biology is such a wide field, you are able to tailor your degree to align with your personal interests in many areas such as 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.
A master's in biology with a specialization in neuroscience includes offers advanced interdisciplinary training in understanding the nervous system and its functions. Students gain expertise in neurobiology, neurophysiology, and cognitive neuroscience through 15 credit hours of electives and supporting coursework in neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, endocrinology, medical neuroscience, and other relevant subjects.
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.
Get involved with hands-on research in your own backyard or across the world. Whether you are interested in the ongoing research in backwater restoration, the impact of invasive tree species on floodplain bird nesting or turtle ecology, the Missouri River Institute and USD's unique location to the Missouri River offers vast opportunities for research.
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.
A large collection of biological periodicals, government documents and publications are available in the University Libraries. Online journals, database searches, electronic document delivery, and interlibrary loans are also available.
Research facilities include laboratories, a greenhouse, growth chambers, the South Dakota Herbarium, controlled environment animal quarters, a histology facility, cold rooms, aquarium rooms, an aquatic mesocosm facility, wet and dry collection rooms, molecular biology core facility and a shop.
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
USD offers opportunities for grad students to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their teaching, research and service efforts to the university.
I wanted to obtain necessary skills to become a researcher and lecturer in bioinformatics, USD's doctoral program in Biology has trained me well. The experienced professors in biology have helped me reach my goal.
Pasan Fernando
