Applied Biological Sciences, MS
Animal Health, Biology, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Environmental, Science, Wildlife, approved for STEM-OPT extension, education research, habitat, medical
Build your applied research skills and knowledge as a next step toward a doctoral program or professional work contributing to a more sustainable planet.
The MS program in applied biological sciences offers advanced instruction in the ecology and sustainable management of natural and urban ecosystems. Rigorous programs of study involving field and laboratory work are custom-designed to apply ecological or biological principles to problems in species or ecosystem conservation. All programs culminate with the completion of a research-based thesis or applied project.
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
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
College of Integrative Sciences and Arts
- Location: Polytechnic
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (ABS 592 and ABS 593)
Required Core (3 credit hours) Electives or Research (21 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students choose a thesis or applied project option. A final oral examination covering the thesis and related subject matter is required.
ABS 550 Vegetation Dynamics (3) or
ABS 555 Wildlife Dynamics (3)
ABS 592 Research (3) and ABS 593 Applied Project (3) or
ABS 599 Thesis (6)
The electives coursework is chosen to support the student's educational objectives.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they 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:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- resume
- statement of intent
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Applicants are expected to have completed 18 credit hours in biological sciences and closely related courses. Specific fields of study may have specific expectations regarding courses taken at the undergraduate level. Applicants not meeting these course requirements may be considered for admission with deficiencies.
The statement of intent should not exceed 600 words and should explain the applicant's interest in environmental resources, as well as 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 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 need to be met to gain regular status. The school informs successful applicants of the procedures for enrollment.
Professionals with expertise in the study of evolution, natural history and conservation of plants and animals are in high demand across sectors and industries, including county and state organizations, as well as in community management. Those with skills in laboratory work, field research and data analysis are valuable to businesses and institutions building deep connections within leading scientific and technological industries to create innovative solutions to challenging global problems in a technologically focused world. Studying biology can lead to a wide range of careers, such as research, teaching, health care and policy development.
Career examples include:
- biologists
- fish and wildlife biologists
- medical scientists
- natural science managers
- postsecondary biological science teachers
School of Applied Sciences and Arts
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SANCA 233
CISA@asu.edu
480-727-1526
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
