Biology: 3+2: Bachelor of Science/Master of Science (B.S./M.S.)

The 3+2 MS in Biology at West Liberty University is the first graduate biology program in the state to offer an accelerated pathway to completion. In this option, students in the combined program will take a slightly heavier (17-18 credit hour) course load per semester for the first three years of study. From the standard undergraduate coursework, these students will be allowed to count 14 credit hours of dual-listed courses toward the bachelor’s and master’s degree enabling them to complete all undergraduate and graduate requirements, including thesis, in a 5- year time span.

The MS in biology will prepare students for careers in industry working in laboratories at pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or biomedical companies, research positions in academic labs, environmental consulting work, or entry into doctoral programs. Moreover, the 3+2 can prepare students for professional schools such as dental or medical school. Other career options include teaching Biology at small colleges or to begin a career that requires a graduate degree.

Requirements

Required Courses

Students must take 300-400 level general electives to total 136 credit hours. A minimum of 4 credit hours of upper-level undergraduate biology courses must be taken for graduate credit.

BIO 124Biological Principles

3

BIO 125Biological Principles Lab

1

BIO 200Biology Of Plants

4

BIO 202Bio of Animals (zoology)

3

BIO 203Bio Of Animals Lab

1

BIO 221Biol Statistics & Exper Design

3

BIO 325General Microbiology

3

BIO 326Gen Microbio Lab

1

BIO 401Genetics

4

BIO 460Molecular Biology

3

BIO 461Molecular Bio Lab

1

BIO 480Biology Capstone Course

1

BIO 480Biology Capstone Course

1

CHEM 110General Chemistry I

3

CHEM 111General Chemistry I Lab

1

CHEM 112General Chemistry II

3

CHEM 113General Chem II Lab

1

CHEM 340Organic Chemistry I

3

CHEM 341Organic Chemistry I Lab

1

CHEM 342Organic Chemistry II

3

CHEM 343Organic Chemistry II Lab

1

MATH 145Pre-Calculus

4

PHYS 101Elem Physics I

3

PHYS 102Elem Physics II

3

PHYS 110Elementary Physics Lab I

1

PHYS 111Elementary Physics Lab II

1

Choose 3 hours from the following:

BIO 207Funds of Ecology/Biodiversity

3

BIO 208Found. Cell & Molecular Bio

3

Choose 1 course from the following:

BIO 404Gen Ecology

3

Or

BIO 405General Ecology Lab

1

Or

BIO 472Cell Biology

3

Choose 3 hours from the following

CHEM 480Biochemistry I

3

BIO 470Biological Chemistry

3

Choose 4 hours from the following:

BIO 302Human Anatomy & Phys I

3

BIO 303Human Anatomy & Phys I Lab

1

BIO 426Comparative Animal Phys & Lab

4

Additional Graduate-level Requirements

BIO 510Graduate Research Skills

3

BIO 525Graduate Seminar

1

BIO 525Graduate Seminar

1

BIO 525Graduate Seminar

1

BIO 525Graduate Seminar

1

BIO 580Independent Study

1-9

BIO 598Thesis

9

Any 500 BIO

7

A minimum of thirty credit-hours in graduate level courses (500 or higher) is required for the master’s degree.