Biology, M.S.
The Biology M.S. program provides advanced study in biological sciences with a strong emphasis on environmental biology, field research, and laboratory analysis. Students explore topics such as ecology, toxicology, hydrology, molecular biology, environmental chemistry, and organismal biology while developing quantitative and analytical research skills. Governors State’s location at the intersection of urban, suburban, and rural ecosystems provides direct access to diverse environmental research opportunities.
Students work closely with faculty through laboratory investigations, field studies, internships, and thesis or applied research projects. The program’s small class sizes support individualized mentorship and hands-on scientific training using both campus research facilities and external partner organizations. Graduates are prepared for careers in environmental science, conservation, laboratory research, government agencies, or continued doctoral study.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the M.S. in Biology program pursue careers such as:
- Laboratory Research Scientist
- Biomedical or Clinical Research Associate
- Environmental Scientist
- Microbiologist or Biotechnologist
- Quality Control Analyst (pharmaceutical/industrial)
- Higher Education Instructor (with additional credentials)
- Ph.D. or professional program candidates (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science)
Key Benefits of Our Program
- Develop advanced expertise in biological sciences and research methodology
- Strengthen preparation for Ph.D. programs, medical school, or professional schools
- Gain publishable research and presentation experience
- Build technical laboratory and data analysis skills
- Receive individualized academic and career advising
What You'll Study
Our academic catalog has detailed information about what you'll study, like courses, hours needed for completion, and other requirements.
How to Apply
You'll need certain documents and meet certain requirements in order to apply. Read about them on our admissions pages.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
We believe an exceptional education should be accessible for you. Save money on tuition and fees with the financial aid and scholarship opportunities we provide at GovState.
Biological Field Station
The GovState Biological Field Station is a 144-acre ecological preserve that provides unique hands-on learning experiences for students and faculty. It supports extensive research activities, such as studies on bird nesting, small mammal population dynamics, hydrology, and invertebrate biodiversity. Notable projects include bird banding as part of the MAPS Program, small mammal trapping for mammalogy courses, and water sampling for microbiology studies. Student and faculty research conducted here has contributed to multiple theses, national presentations, and publications.
The facility also serves as an essential teaching tool for biology courses, allowing students to directly engage in ecological monitoring and environmental science. This extensive fieldwork has led to national presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and ongoing research projects.
Get Involved
Just as ecosystems are interconnected, GovState’s Biology program recognizes that outreach plays a significant role in the university’s function, from local to international levels. Faculty and students coordinate community events such as an annual STEAM camp and at the university and frequent STEM events at local schools, as well as monthly science pub discussions open to the public at local restaurants.
Graduate level biology students may participate in an annual summer study opportunity in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula or collaborate with faculty research efforts in China.
Student Groups and Opportunities to Get Involved
- Biology graduate research seminars and journal clubs
- Faculty-led research labs across multiple specialties
- Interdisciplinary STEM collaboration projects
- Participation in regional and national scientific conferences
- STEM mentoring and outreach programs for local schools
Contact Us
- Biology Department
- Division of Science, Mathematics, & Technology
- Room F1300, College of Arts and Sciences, Governors State University
- 708.534.4535