The College of Natural and Applied Sciences offers a Master of Science Degree in Biology. Courses for the Master of Science Degree are taught by faculty from the College and Applied Sciences, the Marine Laboratory and the Water and Environmental Research Institute. The program is designed to serve those students who are pursuing a research-oriented career at the master’s level, those using the master’s degree as a stepping stone to a doctorate, a career in natural resource management or environmental consulting, and biology teachers who have fulfilled requirements for teacher’s certification but seek a broader knowledge of biology.

In addition to obtaining the Master of Science in Biology, candidates have the opportunity to study in one of the most interesting regions in the Western Pacific. The Graduate Program in Biology has many facets comparable to mainland programs and provides outstanding opportunities in tropical marine science (see the section on the Marine Laboratory in this Bulletin).

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Program, students will demonstrate the following:

• Demonstrate ability to analyze data and design experiments using standard statistical procedures.
• Demonstrate ability to write technical scientific reports and articles.
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic organismal and ecological principles.
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic cellular and molecular-level principles.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the latest advances in a variety of fields in biology.
• Demonstrate ability to conceive, conduct and report original research.
• Demonstrate the ability to disseminate scientific concepts and research findings in a variety formats (e.g., written and oral).

Associate Research Unit