Master of Science in Biological Sciences
Wayne State's Master of Science (M.S.) in Biological Sciences at Wayne State University is a research-focused program that equips graduates with advanced training in biological research and analysis. Our program features an intensive curriculum of core and elective courses, offering students a strong foundation in their chosen areas of interest. During the first year, students complete two laboratory rotations, which help you select a host lab where you'll conduct original research and complete a thesis project under the mentorship of experienced faculty.
With a research scope more concise than that of a Ph.D., the M.S. program can typically be completed in two years. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in industry, research or education, as well as for further academic pursuits in doctoral or professional programs. This degree prepares students with the skills and experience to address complex scientific challenges and contribute meaningfully to the biological sciences.
Learning objectives
The Master of Science in Biological Sciences provides students with rigorous training in advanced biological research and analysis. Through a combination of coursework and original research, students develop the skills to investigate complex biological questions and contribute to scientific innovation. This program prepares graduates for careers in research, biotechnology, environmental science or further academic pursuits.
Graduates of the M.S. in Biological Sciences program will be able to:
- Conduct independent research using advanced biological techniques and methodologies.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data to address scientific hypotheses.
- Effectively communicate research findings through written, oral and visual presentations.
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to complex biological challenges.
Biological sciences program requirements and curriculum
The biological sciences master's degree requires students to satisfy the graduate program requirements and overall biological sciences requirements.
- Overview
Course # Title Credits BIO 8995 Seminar (one term) 2 BIO 9996 Rotation (one term) 2 BIO XXXX Core Curricula (see below) 12 BIO 7996 Research 4 BIO XXXX Electives 3 BIO 8999 Thesis 8 Total 31 - Electives must total three credits minimum; courses decided on by the student and the major advisor.
- Additional constraints on the plan of study: A minimum of six credits must be in 7000 level or higher exclusive of BIO 7996, 8995, 9996 and 8999.
- All first-semester students will be advised by the graduate officer and/or the graduate committee chair.
- Core curricula
Molecular biology and biotechnology division
At least 12 credits of the following courses.
Course # Title Credits BIO 5040 Biometry 4 BIO 5330 Principles and Applications of Biotechnology I 3 BIO 6000 Molecular Cell Biology I 3 BIO 6010 Molecular Cell Biology II 3 BIO 6160 Proteins and Proteomics 3 BIO 6330 Principles and Applications of Biotechnology II 3 BIO 7020 Comprehensive Virology 3 BIO 7500 Prokaryotic Gene Structure and Function 4 BIO 7510 Eukaryotic Gene Structure and Function 4 Ecology and evolutionary biology division
Ecology concentration
At least four of the following courses.
Course # Title Credits BIO 5040 Biometry 4 BIO 7110 Aquatic Ecology 4 BIO 7440 Terrestrial Ecology 4 BIO 7490 Population and Community Ecology 3 BIO 7540 Ecosystem and Landscape Ecology 3 Evolution concentration
At least four of the following courses.
Course # Title Credits BIO 5040 Biometry 4 BIO 6060 Molecular Evolution 3 BIO 6090 Population Genetics 3 BIO 7150 Genomics 3 BIO 7280 Bioinformatics 3 Additional courses to augment a student's specialty
Course # Title Credits BIO 5330 Principles and Applications of Biotechnology I 3 BIO 5620 Developmental Biology 3 BIO 6000 Molecular Cell Biology I 3 BIO 7090 Molecular Basis of Development 3 BIO 7060 Evolutionary and Developmental Biology 3 BIO 7120 Molecular Basis of Plant Development 3 BIO 7180 Field Investigations in Biological Sciences 3 Cellular, developmental and neurobiology division
At least 12 credits of the following courses.
Course # Title Credits BIO 5040 Biometry 4 BIO 5330 Principles and Applications of Biotechnology I 3 BIO 5620 Developmental Biology 3 BIO 6000 Molecular Cell Biology I 3 BIO 6010 Molecular Cell Biology II 3 BIO 6330 Principles and Applications of Biotechnology II 3 BIO 6690 Neurobiology I 3 BIO 7090 Molecular Basis of Development 3 BIO 7660 Neurobiology II 3 - Courses
The Master of Science in Biological Sciences program offers a rigorous curriculum that combines foundational coursework with specialized electives tailored to students' research interests. Courses cover advanced topics in molecular biology, genetics, physiology and ecology, providing the knowledge needed to excel in laboratory research and scientific analysis. This coursework, paired with hands-on lab rotations, prepares students for successful thesis completion and careers in research, industry or further academic study.
- Academic progress
Gradually the emphasis as measured by time and effort shifts from formal class work to active laboratory research. By the end of the second semester or during the first summer, master's students will have defined a research project. To recognize this transition and to provide early research mentorship, the following procedures will be followed:
- M.S. biological sciences students will form their committee by the end of the first summer. The committee will minimally be composed of the graduate mentor and two graduate faculty from the department.
- The M.S. student will hold committee meetings beginning in the first summer or before and then minimally on an annual basis.
- The graduate mentor will write an annual report, similar to the present Ph.D. student annual report and submit the report to the department (through the graduate officer) by the end of the first summer and then annually after.
- The M.S. student will submit a plan of work after completing 12 credits. The plan of work will include courses already completed and those that are proposed to be taken. The choice of the courses must follow departmental requirements and must be selected in consultation with the advisor. The form must be approved by the departmental graduate officer.
- The M.S. student will fill out a form by the end of the first summer that describes the projected thesis project. This form will have a title for the project, the objective and importance and the outline of the experimental procedure. The form will follow the college Thesis Outline and Record of Approval Form. The purpose of the form is analogous to that of the Ph.D. prospectus, although it will not be as detailed or necessarily have preliminary data. It is a statement of the research plan at or near the beginning of the project. It is not a contract and does not restrict changes in research directions as the project progresses.
- Forms
- Termination policy
Causes for termination
- Failure to meet expectations for timely progress toward degree completion
- Poor academic performance
Graduate student progress
Graduate students will be evaluated at the end of every academic year. Before the selection of an advisor, reviews of progress are made by the graduate officer in consultation with the Graduate Committee. Following the selection of an advisor, the annual review will be done by the advisor. Students who fail to make adequate progress in coursework or professional development may be terminated.
Academic performance
A student whose GPA falls below 3.0 may be put on academic probation for one semester. A plan of work that will allow the student to improve the GPA to 3.0 or higher by a set time will be agreed upon by the student, his/her advisor or the graduate officer (if the student does not have an advisor). Failure to improve the GPA to 3.0 or higher by the deadline will result in termination after that semester. A student cannot remain on academic probation for consecutive semesters. A student cannot be on academic probation for more than two semesters during his/her graduate studies and will be terminated if the GPA is less than 3.0 for a third semester.
A graduate student in M.S. biological sciences is permitted to petition to repeat at most two graduate classes in which he/she received a grade of B– or lower. A student who receives three grades of C+ or lower will be terminated from the graduate program.
Anticipated progress for M.S. students
First year
- Complete first-year core curriculum
- Select thesis advisor
Second and subsequent years
- Continue to fulfill course requirements
- Initiate or continue dissertation research
- Submit a plan of work
- Select thesis advisory committee
- Write thesis
Final term
- File for graduation
- Public defense of thesis
Procedure for termination
Annual reviews by the graduate officer are designed to assess the progress of students. After the selection of an advisor, the annual review will be conducted by the advisor. If the review raises concerns about whether the student should continue in the program, the student will be notified and will have an opportunity to present their case to the Graduate Committee.
The Graduate Committee may place the student on probation with well-defined objectives that the student will be required to meet within a specific time. If the student fulfills the objectives, they will be reinstated in good standing in the program.
If a decision to terminate the student is made, the student will be able to make an oral presentation of their case to the graduate committee. Copies of all decisions regarding probation, reinstatement and dismissal will be placed in the student file and forwarded to the university Graduate Office.
Appeal of dismissal
The student can contest dismissal for insufficient progress by appealing to the Graduate Committee, the dean of the graduate school and finally to the provost. Dismissals for academic reasons should be appealed as outlined in the student due process policy.
Career insights
This tool provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills, or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.