Overview
Graduate Botany Students at Miami University Study for a Master's Degree or Doctorate Degree in Oxford, Ohio
The Department of Botany at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, offers several courses of study and concentrations to students interested in graduate research and education regarding organisms, plants, and ecosystems around the world. MU students enjoy working closely with advisers and faculty members, through research opportunities in the field and state-of-the-art facilities.
Oxford is a historical town steeped in rich cultural traditions that span several hundred years. Found within driving distance of Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee, graduate students flock to the campus in search of advanced degrees. State parks, local museums, covered bridges, and theme parks offer plenty of activity throughout the State of Ohio to students who are looking for a change of pace outside of their studies.
Interdisciplinary Programs at MU Offer Ecology and Molecular Biology, Plant Biology, and Advanced Teaching Degrees
Department of Biology graduate students at Miami University pursue a Plant Biology M.S., M.A., or Ph.D., or an interdisciplinary M.S. or Ph.D. in Ecology and Molecular Biology.
The Ph.D. in Botany requires four to six years of study and research, and an original dissertation in order to successfully complete the program. Each candidate works closely with advisers and a personal graduate committee to complete all requirements. After completing two years of coursework, the student will present a dissertation proposal to his or her committee and be required to pass a comprehensive exam. The rest of the time spent at MU focuses on independent research dedicated to the dissertation subject matter. In addition, students are expected to participate in graduate seminars, submit and publish manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals, and submit grant proposals.
The M.A. and M.S. in Botany programs require two years of coursework and research. The M.A. allows students to complete an internship, and the M.S. requires a thesis and research for completion. Students are also expected to pass an oral exam administered by their individual graduate committee. Throughout their studies, students are guided by an adviser who helps them choose a thesis proposal, conduct required research, and defend it to the committee and public. Master's degree students are also encouraged to present any relevant data during their research to professional journal publications.
In addition, MU offers a Master of Arts in Teaching in Biological Sciences. The M.A.T. program is offered in cooperation by the Departments of Botany, Microbiology, and Zoology. Students enrolled in this degree-seeking program may choose either the Global Field Program (GFP) or the Integrative Science Program (ISP). This degree is designed for teachers and administrators of K-12 students, or those who want a master's degree without a thesis requirement.
Research areas available to Miami University graduate students include developmental anatomy, ecology, molecular biology, comparative morphology, mycology, plant physiology, systematic, evolution, bioinformatics, and science education. The Department of Botany aims to focus teachings and studies in the areas of ecology, developmental anatomy and morphology, physiology, molecular and cellular biology, and science education in conjunction with contemporary research programs.
In addition, the department is considering two proposed doctoral programs that will focus on studying organisms through Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology coursework, and cellular and molecular biology through Cellular, Molecular, and Structural Biology studies. All students enrolled in the department's programs can focus their studies on developmental anatomy and morphology, science education, ecology, and cellular and molecular biology.
Graduate students also have the option to enroll in several advanced courses with their associated labs, attend several seminars throughout the year given by outside established speakers, and take one of several summer field courses. These summer courses focus on systematic and ecology studies in the Bahamas, Belize, or Costa Rica.
Financial Assistance Provides Full Tuition Support for Graduate Students Enrolled in the Department of Botany's Programs
When applying to the Department of Biology's graduate programs, students must submit their GRE scores, past transcripts, an application, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. International students may be required to submit more information.
In order to aid with the cost of a graduate-level education, students are typically accepted into the program at MU under conditions of full financial support. This means that students are given a tuition waiver, and can qualify for salaried assistantship support. M.S. students may apply to become graduate assistants, and Ph.D. students may become teaching assistants.
If students choose to pursue full-time research during the summer months, they are eligible to receive tax-free scholarships, as well. Support funds for these research projects are provided by the Academic Challenge Program.
Graduates from the Department of Botany Enjoy Careers in Education, Government, or Industrial Settings Worldwide
Upon graduating from the program, students are typically recruited into positions teaching K-12 students or continuing research at the university. Most M.S. graduates tend to continue through to the Ph.D. program. Industrial careers are also frequently found in the U.S. and worldwide, and research careers may be pursued in academia or the field. If studying for an M.A. degree, students typically pursue a career of technical origins in research or industrial support.
