Overview
Interdisciplinary Studies Are Part of the Master of Science in Biology Graduate Program at Wichita University
The Department of Biological Sciences at Wichita State University is committed to incorporating interdisciplinary course work, professional training through laboratory and field work, internship opportunities, and close interaction with faculty members to create a comprehensive Master of Science in Biology program. Students have the option of pursuing educational and working experiences within the university and the surrounding community, teacher certifications, and combination degrees to create a special and individualized course of study.
Students may choose to pursue the master's degree with or without a research thesis. If the thesis option is chosen, several fields of concentration are available, including microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology, endocrine biology, reproductive biology, and environmental biology. Students are assigned to a specific adviser and committee, who help in designing a plan of study and research that will meet the individual's goals and needs.
Every graduate student in the Biology Graduate Program is required to take part in the Graduate Seminar course every semester. During this seminar, each student gives two presentations to the class.
If a student chooses to pursue the thesis option, a total of 30 credit hours, in addition to the defense of the proposed thesis and research results, are required. These students often choose to pursue a doctoral degree or seek a career in research in their chosen industry field.
Without the thesis option, a total of 36 graduate credit hours are required, in addition to taking exams in two areas of biology. These students are typically already employed in the medical or education fields, or they plan to advance their current positions to a higher level in these fields.
Some of the graduate courses available to students pursuing a master's degree in biological sciences at Wichita State University cover topics in avian biology, immunobiology, cancer biology, statistical applications, computer applications, developmental biology, plant ecology, physiology, anatomy, and endocrinology.
In applying to the program, prospective students must provide all transcripts, GRE scores, and three letters of recommendation from faculty members. Applications are reviewed four times a year in order to award assistantships and fellowships.
Financial Support Is Available Through Assistantships and Fellowships
Graduate assistantships are awarded and commonly used as sources of reliable financial aid during a student's graduate program. These assistantships require 8 to 10 hours of teaching per week, and enable a student's eligibility for tuition waivers. Research fellowships are also a viable option for paying for tuition.
Research Facilities Include Viable Applications at the Biology Field Station to Study Natural Ecosystems at Work
Graduate students at WSU enjoy a wide range of research opportunities and laboratory work that complement their classes and professional internship experiences. Working closely with faculty members, prestigious facilities on and off campus allow students to conduct research for thesis purposes as well as career and work-oriented experiences.
After consulting with their graduate adviser and committee on their chosen thesis topic, the adviser trains the candidate regarding the types of research methods to use and how to perform them in order to reach the stated goals. This independent research is conducted under the direction of the adviser and results are presented and orally defended by the student.
In addition to on-campus laboratory facilities and research opportunities, the Biology Field Station is an ideal location for field experiments utilized by both students and faculty. The station is located 35 miles from campus, and totals 330 acres of prairie and woodlands. The Ninnescah River flows through the station, providing a natural and unique habitat ideal for studying plants and wildlife in their natural ecosystems. Current research projects focus on prairie restoration and recovery, aquatic invertebrates, behavioral ecology, bird nesting communities, West Nile virus infections and migrant bird behaviors, as well as fish and reptilian populations.
Wichita Offers WSU Students Access to a Wide Range of Internship Employment and Diverse Extracurricular Activities
Located in Kansas's largest city, Wichita State University offers a quality education in proximity to real-world career and internship opportunities in the surrounding community. Students enjoy a diverse population and traditional experience through intramural and NCAA sports teams, student-focused dining and extracurricular activities, and a wide range of student organizations catering to a variety of special interests and hobbies.
Named as one of the "Top 10 Best Big Cities" by "Money" magazine and the "Number One Place to Live the Good Life Cheaply" by "Forbes" magazine, Wichita offers both affordability and major metropolitan conveniences in one location. Annual festivals, far-reaching arts communities, designer shopping, fine dining, and several industry opportunities for postgraduate and summer employment make Wichita the ideal location for pursuing a graduate degree. Outside of this big city, the entire state of Kansas offers residents and visitors the opportunity to pursue water sports, enjoy outdoor adventures in the wilderness, and explore historical landmarks during breaks from normal studies.
