The Masters Programs for Biology Majors at West Liberty University is designed to offer a flexible curriculum that meets the needs of students locally, nationally, and internationally.
6 OPTIONS within the program PROVIDE DISTINCTIVE OPPORTUNITIES for students dependent on individual career/educational goals.
- The traditional MA in Biology provides a bridge program for students desiring coursework at the graduate level to prepare them for more competitive professional school entrance or for advancement in the workplace. Coursework in the traditional MA in Biology can be selected from a variety of dual-listed electives to allow focusing of study as needed. The use of dual-listed courses (upper-level courses in undergraduate biology offered with differentiated learning at the 500-level to graduate students) allows maximum efficiency in programming without any detriment to the undergraduate student population.
- The MA in Biology, Zoo Science option is specifically for professionals in animal management fields holding 4-year degrees from accredited institutions of higher education who wish to extend their education at the graduate level. The designated 30 credit hours of coursework required is specific to the challenges within animal management fields and will be offered in an online format to facilitate program completion across the nation.
- The traditional MS in Biology features 14 credit hours of graded biology coursework, the option for independent study, and a traditional thesis.
- The 3+2 MS in Biology will be the first graduate biology program in the state to offer an accelerated pathway to completion. In this option, undergraduate students will be admitted as freshmen to the combined program; the accepted students 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 timespan.
- The MS in Biology, Zoo Science option is specifically for professionals in animal management fields wishing to complete a thesis as part of their graduate study. These individuals will take 19 credit hours (Zoo Science core curriculum), 9 credit hours of thesis, and 2 credit hours of independent study (or another graduate course in biology with approval). The entire option will be online to facilitate completion by professionals across the country.
- The Master of Arts in Biology, with a major in Biomedical Sciences (MAB), is designed for students to demonstrate they can be successful at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM). Students will take West Liberty University graduate-level courses in human biology and medicine to improve their overall academic credentials and prove they can handle the rigors of medical school.