Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.S. in Natural Science-Interdisciplinary
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Natural Sciences-Interdisciplinary at UB is a customizable graduate program. It offers students the option of combining one area of natural science with graduate coursework in a variety of related disciplines. Fields of study available to students in this program include biological sciences, chemistry, earth sciences, geohazards, mathematics, physics, and CSEQuiN (Center for Spin Effects and Quantum Information in Nanostructures). There is also a formal concentration in computational linguistics within this interdisciplinary degree. The program aims to provide a broad foundation in the biomedical sciences, preparing students for professional health degrees or for those still deciding on the next step in their career path.
Curriculum: The specific credit requirements and course structure for the M.S. in Natural Sciences-Interdisciplinary are highly flexible, as the program is designed to be customized to individual student interests and career goals. Students choose a core natural science area and then select complementary graduate coursework from various related disciplines. This allows for a unique educational plan tailored to the student's needs. The program may also include a culminating research project or other capstone experience, depending on the student's chosen focus and advisory committee's recommendations.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Natural Sciences-Interdisciplinary at UB supports a wide range of research interests, reflecting its interdisciplinary nature. Students can engage in research that combines different natural science fields (e.g., biology and chemistry, earth sciences and physics). The program's connection to areas like CSEQuiN (Center for Spin Effects and Quantum Information in Nanostructures) and the potential for a concentration in computational linguistics suggest a focus on cutting-edge scientific inquiry that transcends traditional departmental boundaries. The flexibility allows students to pursue research questions that require expertise from multiple scientific domains, often with faculty mentorship from various departments.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Natural Sciences-Interdisciplinary program at UB is designed to equip graduates with versatile scientific skills applicable to a variety of professional settings. The program's broad foundation in biomedical sciences, along with its customizable nature, prepares students for roles in research, development, and analysis across numerous industries. Graduates are well-suited for positions in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology companies, environmental consulting, government research institutions, and health-related fields. While specific mandatory internships may not be universally required due to the program's flexibility, the emphasis on practical scientific skills and the potential for research projects provides valuable experience for industry roles. The program's design to prepare students for professional health programs also signifies its strong ties to practical, applied science careers.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Natural Sciences-Interdisciplinary at UB inherently fosters a global perspective through its engagement with scientific inquiry that transcends national borders. Many natural science challenges, such as climate change, public health, and technological advancements, are global in nature. By offering a broad range of scientific disciplines and encouraging interdisciplinary approaches, the program prepares students to understand and contribute to solutions for these worldwide issues. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, enriching the classroom and research environments with varied scientific perspectives and experiences from around the world. This exposure helps students develop a global understanding of scientific research and its applications.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
Given the interdisciplinary and customizable nature of this degree, graduates are prepared for a broad range of roles. The specific career path often depends on the student's chosen concentration and elective coursework within the program.
Research Scientist (Basic or Applied): Work in academic labs, government agencies, or private industry (e.g., pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science) conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to scientific discovery.
Laboratory Manager/Technician: Oversee and conduct experiments, maintain equipment, and manage lab operations in research and development settings across various scientific fields.
Data Analyst/Scientist (Science-focused): Apply analytical and statistical skills to complex scientific datasets, particularly for those with a computational linguistics or other data-intensive science focus, in research, healthcare, or environmental sectors.
Environmental Scientist/Consultant: Analyze environmental data, assess impacts, and develop solutions for environmental problems in government agencies, non-profits, or private consulting firms, leveraging knowledge from earth sciences, biology, and chemistry.
Science Communicator/Writer: Translate complex scientific information into accessible content for diverse audiences through journalism, technical writing, public relations, or educational materials for scientific organizations, museums, or publishing houses.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist (Science-based products): Ensure scientific products (e.g., chemicals, biomedical devices, pharmaceuticals) comply with government regulations, working in industries that require an understanding of scientific principles and policy.
Public Health Specialist/Analyst: Analyze health data, research disease patterns, and contribute to public health initiatives, particularly beneficial for those who focused on biological or biomedical sciences.
Educator (Community College/Informal Science): Teach science subjects at community colleges (often requiring additional certifications for K-12) or develop educational programs for science museums, zoos, or nature centers.
Project Manager (Scientific/Technical): Oversee scientific projects from conception to completion in research organizations, government, or industry, requiring strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills combined with scientific knowledge.
Further Professional or Doctoral Studies: This M.S. program is specifically designed to strengthen a student's foundation for entry into professional health programs (e.g., medical school, dental school) or Ph.D. programs in various natural science disciplines.
