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M.S. in Biology
Vermillion, South Dakota
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Biology at USD is a flexible program, typically requiring 30-32 credit hours and can be completed in approximately two years. It offers both a general track and a specialization in Conservation and Biodiversity, allowing students to tailor their studies to align with specific interests. The program emphasizes hands-on research experience under the guidance of 15 full-time expert faculty members, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship. Students have opportunities to collaborate with the Sanford School of Medicine, the USD Missouri River Institute, the USD Sustainability Program, South Dakota State University, and other institutions nationally and internationally.
STEM-designated: Yes, the M.S. in Biology program at the University of South Dakota is STEM-designated. This classification is particularly advantageous for international students, as it allows them to qualify for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the U.S. after graduation, providing more opportunities for practical work experience in their specialized field.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of biological sciences. Due to the wide scope of the field, students can customize their degree to fit their personal interests through elective coursework. Areas of study include aquatic and terrestrial ecology, conservation biology, sustainability, ecotoxicology, plant and animal physiology, molecular biology, neuroscience, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, and evolution. The program combines rigorous coursework with significant laboratory and field experiences, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue a thesis track to maximize their research experience.
Research Focus: The Department of Biology at USD has a strong and diverse research focus. Students are actively involved in exploring and experiencing the study of life from the molecular level to the landscape. Faculty members are experts in their fields, contributing research and scholarship in areas such as amphibian declines, physiological and biomedical systems, landscape ecology, riparian ecosystems, geospatial analysis, environmental effects on phenotypes, fish ecology, and metabolomics. Students have incredible opportunities to engage in research experiences in professors' labs, exploring topics like neurobiology, biomechanics, bubonic plague, fetal alcohol syndrome, and the conservation of endangered species. Many students present their findings at scientific meetings and co-author publications, gaining valuable research and dissemination experience.
Industry Engagement: USD's M.S. in Biology program prepares graduates for a wide array of career paths through its emphasis on practical research and collaborative opportunities. The program's connections with institutions like the Sanford School of Medicine and the USD Missouri River Institute provide real-world research contexts. Graduate assistantships and opportunities to assist medical school professors on their research offer valuable professional experience. The program's focus on in-demand specializations like conservation and neuroscience ensures graduates are well-equipped for roles in environmental agencies, research institutions, biotechnology companies, and healthcare-related industries. The department also highlights high post-graduate job placement rates, underscoring its strong industry alignment.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Biology at USD inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing biological and environmental challenges that are global in scope. The curriculum and research areas, such as conservation biology, sustainability, and ecotoxicology, tackle issues that transcend national borders. Collaborations with national and international institutions expose students to diverse research methodologies and scientific perspectives. By preparing graduates to contribute to fields like conservation, terrestrial ecology, and neuroscience, which study biology across the world, the program equips them to engage with global scientific questions and contribute to international efforts in understanding and preserving life on Earth.
Location
Vermillion, South Dakota
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 12800
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $38
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 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and make quality education at USD more accessible to talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: USD awards merit-based scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships recognize outstanding high school or previous college performance and are renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
International Student Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically tailored for international undergraduate students and can cover a significant portion of tuition fees. Eligibility is typically based on a combination of academic excellence and the completion of the admission process by specified deadlines. Many of these scholarships are automatically considered upon application, so no separate application is required.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, USD provides graduate assistantships and fellowships that offer financial support alongside valuable professional experience. These opportunities often include tuition waivers and a stipend in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative work within the university.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain USD academic departments and colleges offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, health sciences, or fine arts. These scholarships often reward exceptional talent and dedication within those disciplines.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology from the University of South Dakota (USD) equips graduates with a rigorous scientific foundation and valuable research experience, making them highly competitive for a diverse range of careers in life sciences, research, conservation, and education. This STEM-designated program prepares individuals to address complex biological questions from molecular to ecosystem levels, fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and hands-on laboratory and field expertise.
Research Scientist / Associate (Biotech, Pharma, Academia): Graduates are well-prepared for roles in research and development, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to scientific discoveries in biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical firms, government labs (e.g., FDA, NIH), or university research teams. They might specialize in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, or neuroscience.
Environmental Scientist / Conservation Biologist: With a specialization in Conservation and Biodiversity, graduates can work for federal or state agencies (e.g., EPA, DNR), non-governmental organizations, or environmental consulting firms. They conduct field research, monitor ecosystems, assess environmental impacts, develop conservation strategies, and work on issues like habitat restoration, wildlife management, and ecotoxicology.
Laboratory Manager / Supervisor: Leveraging their extensive lab experience, M.S. graduates can manage laboratory operations in academic, industrial, or clinical settings. This includes overseeing lab safety, maintaining equipment, managing resources, and supervising technicians.
Clinical Research Coordinator / Associate: In healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, these professionals manage and coordinate clinical trials, ensuring adherence to protocols, collecting and organizing patient data, and liaising between researchers, patients, and ethical review boards.
Biologist (Federal/State Agencies): Graduates can secure positions with various government bodies such as the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), state departments of natural resources, or public health departments, conducting research, monitoring populations, or implementing conservation policies.
Science Educator (Postsecondary or Secondary): An M.S. in Biology is excellent preparation for teaching biology at the community college level or as a highly qualified teacher in high schools. They may also serve as lab instructors or teaching assistants at universities.
Medical Science Liaison (MSL) / Scientific Communications Specialist: Leveraging their scientific knowledge and communication skills, MSLs act as a bridge between pharmaceutical/medical device companies and healthcare professionals, explaining complex scientific data and clinical trial results. Scientific communication specialists might work in medical writing or editing.
Bioinformatics Specialist: Combining biology with computational skills, these professionals analyze large biological datasets (e.g., genomics, proteomics data) to identify patterns, build predictive models, and advance understanding in areas like drug discovery and personalized medicine.
Wildlife Biologist / Zoologist: Focused on animal behavior, ecology, and conservation, these roles involve studying wildlife populations, managing habitats, conducting field surveys, and contributing to conservation efforts for various species, often for government agencies or conservation organizations.
Quality Control/Assurance Specialist (Biotech/Pharma): In manufacturing settings for biological products (e.g., vaccines, diagnostic kits), these specialists ensure that products meet strict quality standards and regulatory guidelines, conducting testing and implementing quality management systems.
