Mission Statement

The Graduate Program in the Biological Sciences is designed to serve the needs of a diverse regional population for advanced training in the life sciences. The flexibility of the curriculum provides an opportunity for students to specialize in the areas of molecular and cell biology, or organismal biology. Students will gain a greater knowledge and understanding of biology and develop proficiency in independent thought. The thesis program provides the necessary background and experience for those who plan further study for the Ph.D., those whose employment requires an advanced degree in biology and those desiring to further their credentials for teaching at the secondary and community college level. The non-thesis program is designed for those who want to extend their knowledge and increase their competence in understanding and communicating modern scientific research.

In order to provide a diverse clientele with the broadest opportunities, the program offers M.S. degrees with both a thesis and non-thesis option. The Masters program in Biology at Towson University is designed to serve working students who wish to enroll on a part-time basis as well as traditional, fulltime students. Most courses at the 600 to 800-levels are offered after 5:00 PM to accommodate students who have daytime employment.

Goals for Graduate Students: Graduates will have 1) a strong fundamental understanding of biology with an opportunity to acquire comprehensive knowledge in the areas of either molecular and cell biology or organismal biology and ecology, or both; 2) an understanding of the principles that guide the design and execution of high-quality research; and 3) experiences that improve their oral and written communication skills. In addition, Thesis students will participate in the design and execution of an original research project.