A female student is pictured next to a giant tortoise in a nature setting.

Studies in the Department of Biology's Master of Science in Biological Science (Plan A and Plan B) degree program span everything from molecules to ecosystems and involve the study of organisms across all domains of life. Topics are rooted in both basic and applied research. Students work and study at sites within Colorado, across the United States, and around the world. Some general areas of investigation include:

  • anatomy/morphology
  • behavior
  • bioinformatics
  • biological science education
  • biotechnology
  • cell biology
  • conservation biology
  • developmental biology
  • disease biology
  • ecology
  • ecosystem science
  • evolutionary biology
  • genetics/genomics
  • global change biology
  • molecular biology
  • neurobiology
  • physiology
  • systematics
  • systems biology
  • synthetic biology
  • theoretical/mathematical biology

Department of Biology-Graduate Students

Effective Fall 2018

Coursework completed in consultation with advisor30
Thesis
Minimum of 24 credits earned at CSU
Minimum of 21 credits earned at CSU since admission to the Graduate School
Minimum of 16 credits earned at CSU at the 500-level or higher
Minimum of 12 credits earned at CSU in regular courses at the 500-level or higher (which excludes courses ending in -82 through -99)
Program Total Credits:30

A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program. 

Additional Program Requirements: 

  • No specific courses must be taken in satisfaction of Departmental degree requirements; however, the candidate must be able to demonstrate a general knowledge of biological science as well as competence in specific areas of concentration. 
  • A graduate student participating in an advanced degree program of the Department of Biology must meet with the Graduate Advisory Committee at least once annually, and the student shall submit an annual report of progress toward the degree, signed by their Graduate Advisory Committee, to the Department Chair for review.
  • A graduate degree in Biological Science indicates that the individual has achieved a professional level of competence in research as well as formal classwork. Consequently satisfactory progress in a research program must parallel the effort in coursework.
  • A completed thesis must be submitted to the Graduate Advisory Committee and approved following a successful oral defense (final examination).

Effective Fall 2018

Coursework completed in consultation with advisor30
Scholarly paper, exam, portfolio, or similar project
Minimum of 24 credits earned at CSU
Minimum of 21 credits earned at CSU since admission to the Graduate School
Minimum of 16 credits earned at CSU at the 500-level or higher
Minimum of 12 credits earned at CSU in regular courses at the 500-level or higher (which excludes courses ending in -82 through -99)
Program Total Credits:30

A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program. 

Additional Program Requirements: 

  • No specific courses must be taken in satisfaction of Departmental degree requirements; however, the candidate must be able to demonstrate a general knowledge of biological science as well as competence in specific areas of concentration. 
  • A graduate student participating in an advanced degree program of the Department of Biology must meet with the Graduate Advisory Committee at least once annually, and the student shall submit an annual report of progress toward the degree, signed by their Graduate Advisory Committee, to the Department Chair for review.
  • A graduate degree in Biological Science indicates that the individual has achieved a professional level of competence in research as well as formal classwork. Consequently satisfactory progress in a research program must parallel the effort in coursework.
  • A completed scholarly paper, exam, portfolio, or similar project must be submitted to and approved by the Graduate Advisory Committee.