Biology Department

Biology, M.S.

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

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 and undergraduate background.

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 at SUNY Oneonta for more than 9 s.h. of graduate courses before applying to a degree program.

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 3^rd-5^th 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 program emphasis is in field biology, ecology, or aquatic biology. Students who qualify for this program in Biology have the opportunity to complete a B.S. in Biology in their fourth year (7^th and 8^th 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 a transcript and 3 letters of reference, including one from a member of the Biology graduate faculty willing to serve as an initial advisor to the Biology Department.

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 Biological Field Station near Cooperstown, NY, 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. This degree helps to prepare graduates for professional certifications in aquatic sciences.

Programs

Master of Science