Department of Biological Sciences
The Master of Science (MS) in Biological Sciences at Auburn University provides advanced training in the biological sciences while allowing students to develop research expertise in a specialized area of study.
The program combines graduate coursework with faculty-mentored research, giving students the opportunity to conduct original investigations and build skills in laboratory, field, computational, collection-based or classroom-based research.
Graduate students in the MS thesis program may pursue research across a range of areas within the department. Faculty research spans behavior, ecology, evolution and conservation; evolutionary genetics and systematics; physiological adaptations and functional genomics; host-microbial interactions; and biology education research.
Research projects are conducted under the guidance of faculty mentors and often involve interdisciplinary collaboration across Auburn University.
The MS thesis program combines graduate coursework with research that leads to the completion of a master’s thesis. Students complete advanced coursework in biological sciences while working under the supervision of a faculty advisor to develop and carry out an original research project.
The program culminates in the preparation of a written thesis describing the student’s research and an oral defense before a faculty committee. Through this process, students develop strong research, analytical and communication skills while deepening their knowledge of the biological sciences.
Students gain hands-on experience with modern research methods while working alongside faculty, graduate researchers and other members of the department’s research community. Depending on their area of study, students may conduct research in laboratories, field sites, museum collections, computational settings or educational environments.
Many students present their work at professional conferences, contribute to peer-reviewed publications and collaborate with researchers across Auburn University and beyond. The MS thesis program prepares students for careers in research, conservation, government, industry, education and other science-related fields, and it may also serve as preparation for further doctoral study.
