M.A. and M.S. in Biology
Program Descriptions
Our Biology master's programs prepare students for a variety of careers and opportunities in the biological sciences in a wide variety of disciplines ranging from cell and molecular biology to ecology and marine biology. In addition, a Master's degree strengthens the credentials of individuals who are already in a biology-related field that they enjoy.
The Biology Master's Programs are designed with flexibility in mind. Students design their program and choose courses in consultation with the Graduate Director as well as their research or thesis advisor. Opportunities for daytime as well as evening classes allow for either part-time or full-time study.
Graduate thesis and essay research opportunities are available with all of our Biology faculty, who are dedicated to teaching and research excellence and who maintain active research programs . Most faculty find that their research programs are strengthened by contributions and interactions with graduate students. Marine and freshwater biology, ecology, evolution, conservation biology, molecular and cell biology, physiology, genetics, and urban ecology studies are carried out on campus, using in-house facilities, and also at local research sites around Long Island. In addition we study nearby terrestrial, urban, and rural ecosystems. Students have the opportunity to take courses and conduct research at all these locations.
Facilities used for faculty and student research include well equipped molecular and cell biology laboratories including a genomics analysis system and real-time PCR capabilities, scanning electron microscope, laminar flow hoods for tissue and cell culture, microbiology laboratories, temperature-controlled animal care facilities and aquaria, and a greenhouse.
An overview of faculty research is available. Feel free to contact individual faculty for more information about their work and opportunities for research.
The Master of Arts Program in Biology
The program requires students to complete 33 semester hours of coursework, including 24 semester hours of 200 level (graduate) or higher coursework and a 3 credit literature-based hypothesis-driven essay. The MA culminates in the successful defense of the essay.
The Master of Science Program in Biology
The Master of Science degree requires 30 semester hours of coursework with 27 semester hours at the 200 level or higher (graduate-level courses) and a research thesis. The MS culminates in the successful defense of the research thesis.M.A. and M.S. in Urban Ecology
Urban Ecology is a subfield of ecology that deals with the distribution, abundance and interactions of plants and animals (including humans) within urban and suburban environments. Urban Ecology is one of the fastest growing subfields in ecology, and most ecologists now work in human-influenced habitats, and Hofstra University has an exciting new graduate program in this growing field . A Master's Degree in Urban Ecology prepares students for careers in environmental education, state and local conservation agencies, and environmental consulting – at the local, regional and national levels.The Master of Arts in Urban Ecology
Master of Science in Urban Ecology
For more information about the Urban Ecology Master's Program, please contact Dr. Russell Burke.
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