Biology
Master of Science (M.S.)
Graduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • 33 Credits
Biology is an exciting and dynamic field focusing on the study of living things and the environments they inhabit. A master's in biology opens doors to careers in a variety of industries, where you can contribute to scientific advancements and solve complex biological problems
Overview
Grand Valley's Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology program offers a dynamic curriculum, catering to diverse interests such as population genetics, organismal biology, and natural resource management. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through internships and research opportunities, providing flexibility for both full-time and part-time students.
The coursework includes a core curriculum, chosen emphasis, and an internship, project, or thesis. Students can focus on specific areas like natural resources or aquatic sciences, with many engaging in research at the Annis Water Resources Institute. This practical approach prepares graduates for careers in natural resource management and environmental consulting.
Studying biology at Grand Valley is beneficial due to its flexible program design, abundant research opportunities, and individualized study plans. Competitive graduate assistantships offer financial support and valuable teaching experience, ensuring students' educational experiences align with their personal and professional goals.
Biology Department
gvsu.edu/biology
3300a
Kindschi Hall of Science
(616) 331-2470
Program Director
Eric Snyder, Ph.D.
(616) 331-2417
Annis Water Resources Institute
gvsu.edu/wri
Application Deadline
Applications for admission are accepted on a rolling basis, but deadline for graduate assistantship consideration for fall semester is January 15. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU.
Career Opportunities
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 51,793.43 | 10% |
| $ 59,461.81 | 25% |
| $ 78,409.78 | 50% |
| $ 87,360.59 | 75% |
| $ 97,800.72 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
Top skills- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 80,288.00 | 10% |
| $102,044.80 | 25% |
| $137,654.40 | 50% |
| $190,715.20 | 75% |
| $237,328.00 | 90% |
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
Top skills- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 54,237.64 | 10% |
| $ 61,429.05 | 25% |
| $ 67,359.68 | 50% |
| $ 86,423.05 | 75% |
| $104,847.52 | 90% |
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Science
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 46,519.61 | 10% |
| $ 51,784.90 | 25% |
| $ 61,007.90 | 50% |
| $ 64,575.94 | 75% |
| $ 98,294.88 | 90% |
Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
Top skills- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 50,682.59 | 10% |
| $ 62,182.46 | 25% |
| $ 81,607.45 | 50% |
| $ 98,192.55 | 75% |
| $128,328.06 | 90% |
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Research Opportunities
Research opportunities are offered to all biology graduate students; some will collaborate with faculty on ongoing research and others will find or create research opportunities independently.
Watch a video featuring GVSU Professor Jen Moore and graduate student Emilio Mancero discussing their experience studying lava lizards in the Galapagos Islands.
The Annis Water Res Resources Institute
The aquatic sciences emphasis provides the unique opportunity to conduct research at the Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon.
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