Biology, MS

 

 

What will you learn in UCM’s Biology MS?

Collaborating with a dedicated faculty advisor, you will design a customized curriculum tailored to your scientific specialization. The program emphasizes critical literature review, quantitative data interpretation, research design and formal presentation skills across classroom, laboratory and field settings.

Specialization Areas & Sample Coursework:

• Organismal Biology: Study specialized animal and plant sciences through courses such as entomology, herpetology and mammalogy.
• Molecular Biology: Build advanced laboratory techniques through topics like hematology, molecular biology/technology and virology.
• Ecology & Environmental Biology: Explore ecosystem dynamics, wildlife management and conservation science in local and national natural environments.

Hands-on Research & Technical Skills:

• Conduct field research using population estimation methods like transects, capture-recapture studies and drone-based mammal tracking.
• Master genetic analysis, species identification, cellular microinjection and developmental or neural research in renovated laboratories.
• Choose between a Thesis Track (original research project, implementation, thesis defense and journal publishing preparation) or a Non-Thesis Track (course-based synthesis projects focused on biotechnology, wildlife management, pre-medical preparation or higher education).

 

Unique learning opportunities in UCM's Biology MS

• Graduate Assistantships: Gain professional teaching or research experience while earning a stipend to help offset tuition costs.
• Cutting-Edge Facilities: Practice in renovated classrooms, modern molecular/cellular labs, a large animal/aquatic research center and diverse field sites across natural ecosystems.
• Scientific Publishing & Grant Writing: Work alongside faculty on research projects using specialized methods designed to yield publishable results in scientific journals and support grant proposals.
• Credit for Prior Experience: Apply recent, relevant professional work experience in your biology subdiscipline toward degree course credit.
• Networking & Leadership: Join active student chapters like The Wildlife Society or Tri Beta Honorary Society to connect with employers, present findings to the scientific community and explore job opportunities near Kansas City.

 

Fast facts about UCM's Biology MS

• Flexible Formats: Offered on campus in Warrensburg, fully online (non-thesis track) or in a hybrid combination of classroom and online study
• Small Class Sizes: Small graduate classes, ensuring personalized instruction and faculty mentoring
• Degree Tracks: Choose between a thesis track centered on original research or a non-thesis track tailored for professional advancement, medical school preparation or online learning
• PhD & Professional Prep: Strong placement history into PhD programs, medical schools and advanced health professions programs
• Regional Location: Located near Kansas City’s growing biotechnology, pharmaceutical and scientific job markets

Talk to an Admissions Representative

 

 

Financial Aid and Scholarships for UCM's Biology MS Students

As a UCM student, you’ll have a financial aid advisor as part of your six-person student support team to help you find the best way to finance your college education. Graduate teaching and research assistantships are available to provide stipends that help cover tuition and expenses.

Grants and Scholarships for Graduate Biology Students:

• UCM Graduate Scholars Grant
• Steve Mills and Steve Wilson Field Research Grant
• Kathryn Eydt Payne Scholarship

Explore program-specific requirements and apply using the UCM Scholarship Finder, then connect with your financial aid advisor to discuss your funding package.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Career opportunities and outcomes for UCM's Biology MS graduates

 

Explore programs related to the Biology MS.   If you already have an undergraduate degree in Biology or another science, you may also want to explore these graduate programs at UCM: Industrial Hygiene, MS Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Nutrition, MS

 

Program Requirements

MS Thesis Option

For the thesis option, students are responsible for completing an original research project, a written thesis, a committee defense of their thesis and a public presentation near completion of the program. These projects often span two years, and we encourage students to publish their thesis research in peer-reviewed journals. Students must complete a minimum of 30 units of graduate coursework to complete the thesis option.

 

MS Non-thesis Option

For the non-thesis option, students will focus on coursework and on broad issues rather than a specific research project. Students must complete a minimum of 30 units of graduate coursework to complete the non-thesis option.

 

How to Apply

Before applying for admission to UCM Graduate Studies, you should contact a faculty member in the Biology MS program whose research matches your research interests. Students must have an advisor sponsor their application prior to being accepted into the Biology MS program. Any questions about the process should be sent to the Graduate Coordinator. Your faculty advisor can assist with the application process as well. Additional information regarding requirements for the program can be found under “Program Details” or by contacting the Graduate Coordinator.

When a faculty advisor is obtained, you should apply for admission to Graduate Studies at UCM. After acceptance to UCM Graduate Studies you are then eligible to apply to any graduate program at UCM, including the Biology MS program. You should initiate your application through that pathway, and Graduate Studies staff will forward your application to the Biology Program directly.