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.
Choose 3 hours from the following:
| BIO 207 | Funds of Ecology/Biodiversity | 3 |
| BIO 208 | Found. Cell & Molecular Bio | 3 |
Choose 1 course from the following:
Choose 3 hours from the following
Choose 4 hours from the following:
| BIO 302 | Human Anatomy & Phys I | 3 |
| And | |
| BIO 303 | Human Anatomy & Phys I Lab | 1 |
| Or | |
| BIO 426 | Comparative Animal Phys & Lab | 4 |
Additional Graduate-level Requirements
A minimum of thirty credit-hours in graduate level courses (500 or higher) is required for the master’s degree.