Integrative Biology, MS
for the degree of Master of Science in Integrative Biology
The Master of Science in Integrative Biology (MS in IB) provides students with a non-thesis, course-based degree program opportunity focused on interdisciplinary training for 21st-century scientific roles. Students explore how scales of life interact, from molecules through global cycles, to solve grand challenges such as addressing global change, improving human health, mitigating biodiversity loss, and contributing to ecosystem restoration and sustainable food and biofuel production. Students in the MS program have the ability to enhance their skill sets within IB upper-level courses through our world-class educational experiences, without having to invest in a required and timely research component for the degree. Students will thus be able to graduate in one year with a advanced degree making them more competitive for employment and future research opportunities.
This program primarily serves students who are in a gap year between undergraduate programs and either employment or future graduate-level programs. With the ability to hone skills in critical thinking, communication, laboratory practices, and scientific knowledge this program affords students the ability to make effective use out of such a year. The MS in IB program offers advanced coursework in fields such as organismal biology, behavioral ecology, anatomy and physiology, environmental science, bioinformatics, pathology, genomics, and mathematical modeling. These multi-disciplinary courses are grounded in active learning and highly transferable, higher-order processing skills such as application, interpretation, and evaluation. Students build laboratory skills spanning from tall grass prairie restoration to modern genome-editing techniques. Graduates are well-equipped for a broad range of careers in fields including healthcare, biotechnology, genetic counseling, wildlife management, and environmental sciences.
For additional details and requirements refer to the MS in IB program page and the Graduate College Handbook.
for the degree of Master of Science in Integrative Biology
The MS in IB program degree requires a minimum of two full-time semesters. Students may take up to two years to complete their degree.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum Hours Required | 12-24 | |
| Career and Skill Development in Integrative Biology | ||
At least one course from two of the following three IB disciplinary areas and one additional course with a laboratory and/or field component. | ||
Area 1: Organismal and Evolutionary Biology | ||
Area 2: Behavior, Ecology and the Environment | ||
Area 3: Integrative anatomy, Physiology and Molecular Biology | ||
| Elective Hours Required | 6-8 | |
MS in IB approved list of courses below, or courses from the any of the Areas above that did not fulfill another requirement, or upon approval from the program director. | ||
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required | 12 | |
Courses to be chosen from the MS in IB approved list of courses below. | ||
| Total Hours Required | 32 | |
Other Requirements:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit | 8 |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 |
| Maximum hours of IB 590 allowed to count toward the MS in IB degree | 6 |
for the degree of Master of Science in Integrative Biology
School of Integrative Biology
Director of the School: Carla Cáceres
Director of Graduate Studies: Allison O’Dwyer
Director of Admissions Committee: Allison O’Dwyer
Program website
School of Integrative Biology website
School of Integrative Biology faculty
286 Morrill Hall, 505 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana, IL 61801
217-300-5039
Program email
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences website
Admissions
Graduate College Admissions & Requirements