Applied Biological Sciences, MS
Build your applied research skills and knowledge as a next step toward a doctoral program or professional work that contributes to a more sustainable planet.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Applied Biological Sciences master's description
The Master of Science program in applied biological sciences offers you advanced instruction in the ecology and sustainable management of natural and urban ecosystems. Through rigorous coursework combining fieldwork and laboratory studies, you apply ecological and biological principles to address critical challenges in species and ecosystem conservation. The program concludes with a student-selected culminating experience: conducting a research-based thesis, developing an applied project, or completing a capstone integrating program competencies.
The program is supported by faculty members with backgrounds in:
- desert horticulture
- ecological restoration
- environmental microbiology
- environmental stress physiology
- plant-fungal ecology
- plant systematics
- riparian and stream ecology
- wildlife biology
Why study applied biological sciences at ASU?
In this program, you weave together urban and natural ecosystem management and study with faculty whose expertise speaks directly to arid-land and desert ecosystems.
Multiple culminating experience options and a Polytechnic campus rooted in applied learning shape how you grow, building strong preparation for doctoral study or a professional environmental career.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (ABS 592 and ABS 593), or
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (ABS 597)
Required Core (3 credit hours) Electives or Research (21 or 24 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students choose one of the three culminating experience options listed above. The number of elective credit hours depends on the culminating experience chosen. All students complete 30 credit hours to earn the degree.
ABS 500 Research Methods (3) or
ABS 550 Vegetation Dynamics (3) or
ABS 555 Wildlife Dynamics (3)
ABS 592 Research (3) and ABS 593 Applied Project (3) or
ABS 597 Applied Biological Sciences Capstone (3)
ABS 599 Thesis (6)
Students choose elective coursework that supports their educational objectives.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information Applicants are expected to have completed 18 credit hours in biological sciences and closely related courses. Certain fields of study may have specific expectations regarding courses taken at the undergraduate level. Applicants who do not meet these course requirements may be considered for admission with additional coursework. The statement of intent should be no longer than 600 words and explain the applicant's interest in environmental resources, and their academic background and educational objectives. The letters of recommendation should be from references who are qualified to comment on the applicant's potential in the selected area of study. Department faculty evaluate the applications and supporting materials and recommend to ASU Admission Services whether the applicant should be granted admission, either regular or provisional, or denied admission. If admission is provisional, the Graduate College specifies in its letter of admission the provisions that must be met for the student to gain regular status. The school informs successful applicants of the procedures for enrollment.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 06/30 | Final* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/15 | Final* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 04/15 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this applied biological sciences master's degree prepares you for
Professionals with expertise in the study of evolution, natural history, and the conservation of plants and animals are increasingly sought-after across various sectors, including governmental organizations at the county and state levels, as well as in community management roles. Those who have skills in laboratory techniques, field research and data analysis are particularly valuable to businesses and institutions that aim to forge strong connections within leading scientific and technological industries. These professionals contribute to the development of innovative solutions for complex global challenges in a technology-driven landscape.
A background in biology can facilitate a diverse array of career paths, encompassing research, education, health care and policy development. As the demand for knowledgeable individuals in these areas continues to grow, the relevance of biological expertise in addressing contemporary issues becomes more evident.
Career examples include:
- animal scientist
- biologist
- fish and wildlife biologist
- medical scientist
- natural science manager
- postsecondary biological science teacher
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Applied Sciences and Arts
|
SANCA 233
CISA@asu.edu
480-727-1526
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
