The Master of Science degree provides content appropriate for persons preparing to teach at the secondary level or in related professional school areas, or for persons intending to pursue careers as research technicians.
Possible Careers
Teach at the secondary level or in related professional school areas, or for persons intending to pursue careers as research technicians.
Program Length
Two (2) years, based on full-time enrollment; part time permitted
Students in the Master of Science in Biology program (non medical/non health related) take advanced biology courses and conduct significant, original research in preparation for writing their thesis. This program emphasizes "field-based" studies that generally address questions of "ecological" relevance such as animal biology and marine sciences. Students whose interests are more narrowly focused within health or other basic sciences should refer to programs within the LLU Medical School. See Medicine in program drop down.
Possible Careers
Secondary and University Teaching, Fields of Ecology, Conservation, Environmental Sciences, Genetics, Marine Sciences, Natural Resources. Some areas of specialization are: animal behavior, animal physiology, molecular systematics, ecological physiology, behavioral ecology, conservation biology, marine biology, and paleontology.
Students in the Doctor of Philosophy in Biology program (non medical/non health related) take advanced biology courses and conduct significant, original research in preparation for writing their thesis. This program emphasizes "field-based" studies that generally address questions of "ecological" relevance such as animal biology and marine sciences. Students whose interests are more narrowly focused within health or other basic sciences should refer to programs within the School of Medicine.
Possible Careers
Some areas of specialization are: animal behavior, animal physiology, molecular systematics, ecological physiology, behavioral ecology, conservation biology, marine biology, and paleontology.
Cancer, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, MS
School
School of Medicine
Degree
MS
The School of Medicine offers basic sciences curricula leading to a Master of Science degree. The core curriculum provides a broad background in molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry. Advanced courses allow each student to fully develop an area of interest.
Possible Careers
Specialized areas include biomedical research and biotechnology industry.
Program Length
Two (2) years— based on full-time enrollment; part time permitted
Cancer, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, PhD
School
School of Medicine
Degree
PhD
The Cancer, Developmental and Regenerative Biology (CDRB) graduate program prepares the future biomedical workforce with the skills and information needed for successful careers as researchers and educators.
Possible Careers
Specialized areas include biomedical research and biotechnology industry.
Program Length
Four (4) years; full-time enrollment, part-time permitted
The Department of Earth and Biological Sciences within the School of Medicine offers the program leading to a Doctor of Philosophy degree in earth science.
Possible Careers
Secondary Teaching, University level teaching in Geology or Paleontology, Environmental Industries, Oil, Energy or Mining Industries, Earth System Science, Environmental Engineering, Waste Management, Sustainable Development, Paleontological Resources
A two year program leading to a MS in Genetic Counseling. The program expects to start accepting applications in November 2024. The program expects to start in Fall 2025.
Possible Careers
Genetic counselors work in many settings as integral members of the healthcare team. Almost all genetic counselors help translate genomic science to improve the lives of people with common and rare genetic conditions. Some genetic counselors do not work with patients, an instead work in a different area, such as reserach, teaching, work with policymakers and reports for genetic testing companies.
Program Length
A two-year program leading to a MS in Genetic Counseling. The program expects to start accepting applications in November 2024. The program expects to start in Fall 2025.
Interested in research and course work emphasizing field and laboratory studies in sedimentology, paleontology, igneous petrology, and geology in health and the environment? The Department of Earth and Biological Sciences offers the Master of Science in geology degree.
Possible Careers
Geologists study the physical aspects and history of the earth. They identify and examine rocks, study information collected by remote sensing instruments in satellites, conduct geological surveys, construct maps, and use instruments to measure the earth's gravity and magnetic field. They also analyze information collected through seismic prospecting, which involves bouncing sound waves off buried rock layers. Some geologists search for oil, natural gas, minerals, and underground water. Geoscientists play an increasingly important part in studying, preserving, and cleaning up the environment.
Program Length
Two-year track for students with an undergraduate degree in geology. A minimum of 56 quarter units, including 44 at or above the 500 level, constitutes the curriculum for the Master of Science degree in geology.
Interested in research and course work emphasizing field and laboratory studies in sedimentology, paleontology, igneous petrology, and geology in health and the environment? The Department of Earth and Biological Sciences offers the Master of Science in geology degree.
Possible Careers
Geologists study the physical aspects and history of the earth. They identify and examine rocks, study information collected by remote sensing instruments in satellites, conduct geological surveys, construct maps, and use instruments to measure the earth's gravity and magnetic field. They also analyze information collected through seismic prospecting, which involves bouncing sound waves off buried rock layers. Some geologists search for oil, natural gas, minerals, and underground water. Geoscientists play an increasingly important part in studying, preserving, and cleaning up the environment. There are a variety of specialist in Geology.
Program Length
Three-year track—for students without an undergraduate degree in geology.
Students with a variety of majors (including science and some non-science majors) are encouraged to enter the M.S. degree in geology program. The three-year track courses are indicated in the table of program requirements and include: 22 units of undergraduate geology courses that are not part of the M.S. curriculum as well as M.S. degree curriculum courses in geology with a minimum of 56 quarter units, including 44 at or above the 500 level. Total for the three-year track is 78 quarter units. Advanced standing may be granted toward cognate requirements.
The thesis or research Master of Science degree provides training for individuals who will become technicians involved in biomedical research in universities or in the biotechnology industry, and for medical technologists seeking specialized research training. The non-thesis Master of Science degree provides content appropriate for medical technologists preparing for the specialist in microbiology certification; for secondary teachers seeking advanced training in areas such as molecular biology, immunology, or microbiology; and for students seeking admission to professional schools, such as medicine or dentistry.
Possible Careers
Program Length
Two (2) years— based on full-time enrollment; part time permitted.
Students interested in careers in independent research, and teaching in a university, clinical, or biotechnology environment. Doctoral degree students are expected to develop creativity and independence in addition to technical skills.
Possible Careers
Program Length
Five (5) years; based on full-time enrollment; part time permitted
A four to five year program leading to the PhD degree in either Anatomy; Cancer, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology; Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation; and Neuroscience, Systems Biology, and Bioengineering.
Possible Careers
Biomedical scientists work in a variety of areas, including academia, government and industry.
A combined MD/PhD program designed for those interested in academic medicine and medical research.
Possible Careers
Graduates of MD/PhD programs pursue careers as physician-scientists who are involved in biomedical research as well as clinical practices. They often become faculty members at medical schools, universities and research institutes such as the NIH.
The Natural Sciences Program leads to a non-thesis Master of Science degree. Students do a project instead of a thesis. This program is designed for the student who plans to teach at the secondary level or with other goals that do not include seeking a PhD degree.
Possible Careers
The goal is to prepare students for effective careers in teaching or government.