Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology Department


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Biology, M.S.

Website: suny.oneonta.edu/biology-department

Program purposes and philosophy: The objectives of this program are to prepare students for doctoral studies and for professional careers in biology. A plan of study will be developed by the student and a committee, based upon student interest, undergraduate background and the results of a diagnostic examination taken in the first semester of the program.

The program emphasis is ecology and environmental science but open to any area within biology. Program quality is particularly enhanced by the facilities, opportunities for study, and research activities at the Biological Field Station in Cooperstown NY. This site provides students with a research complex that contains several multipurpose and analytical laboratories, two lakefront docks, boats, sampling equipment and access to over 2,600 acres of woodlands, bogs, marshes and ponds.

Non-degree students should not enroll in more than 9 s.h. of graduate courses before applying to a degree program.

No more than 16 s.h. may be transferred into this program from another college. Courses with grades of “B-” through “F” are not transferable.

Program Options

The M.S. in Biology Thesis Option was established to prepare students for undertaking doctoral studies at university centers and to train technicians for specialized career opportunities in the biological sciences. In this track, students focus on an independent research topic and develop a research thesis that is presented in written and oral forms to the college community.

The M.S. in Biology Non-thesis Option is designed to offer post-graduate education for biology teachers in secondary schools and two-year colleges, and for those who desire a broad understanding of biological topics at an advanced level. In this track, students select from a wider array of elective courses in biology, and produce a research paper directed on a single topic area within biology.

5-year Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biology. SUNY Oneonta students majoring in Biology may apply to this five year dual-degree program in their 3rd-5th semesters. Admission into the dual program is competitive, normally requiring a 3.5 GPA with at least four Biology courses. At the current time the graduate program is focused on graduate studies in field biology, ecology or aquatic biology, and this includes the 5-year program. Students who qualify for this program in Biology have the opportunity to complete a B.S. in Biology in their fourth year (7th and 8th semesters) while simultaneously taking introductory graduate classes and beginning research. The fifth year is devoted to graduate work exclusively. This program articulates with the Thesis Option of the MS Biology program. To apply, the student must submit an official transcript and 3 letters of reference, including one from a member of the Biology graduate faculty willing to serve as an initial advisor.

Lake Management, M.S.

Website: suny.oneonta.edu/biology-department/majors-programs/lake-management-ms

Program purposes and philosophy: The purpose of the Lake Management program, which will take full advantage of the natural resources and infrastructure at the College’s Biological Field Station near Cooperstown, NY, and a newly renovated science building on campus, is to train students for careers as Lake Managers capable of modifying the character and quality of our aquatic resources to meet the concerns of water providers, lakeside municipalities, recreational lake users, as well as improving the quality of life of those who live, work and play on our tens of thousands of inland lakes, ponds, reservoirs and the streams tributary to them. Degree recipients will meet the requirements to apply for certification as Lake Manager (CLM) or Lake Professional (CLP) by the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS).

 

Programs

    Master of Science

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