Master of Science in Applied Biological Sciences

The M.S. in Applied Biological Sciences degree is supported by faculty with backgrounds in ecological restoration, environmental biotechnology, environmental policy, plant systematics, urban horticulture and wildlife biology. The M.S. in Applied Biological Sciences is designed to train students who are technically proficient in the laboratory and the field, who know well the technical literature in their field of research, who are articulate in oral and written communication, and who understand the societal and policy implications of their work. 

For the specific areas in which faculty are conducting research, see the Faculty and Staff page.

All students are required to complete a core of graduate courses, conduct a research project under the direction of a faculty member, and prepare and defend a research thesis.

Admission

Applicants to the program are expected to meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Division of Graduate Studies. In addition, scores from the Graduate Record Examination  (minimum score of 1080 Verbal and Quantitative combined) or Miller Analogies Test (minimum score 45) are required. Applicants are expected to have completed 18 semester 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 requirements may be considered for admission with deficiencies.

Submit the following separate application materials to:

DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
College of Technology and Innovation
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
7001 E WILLIAMS FIELD ROAD
MESA, AZ 85212-6032

1. a statement of intent (maximum 600 words) explaining (a) the applicant's interest in environmental resources, (b) the applicant's academic background, and (c) the applicant's educational objectives;

2. three letters of recommendation from references who are qualified to comment on the applicant's potential in the selected area of study; and

3. a résumé.

Online admissions and student information are at ASU's Welcome page.

Application Deadlines

For fall enrollment, application materials are due in the Department of Applied Biological Sciences and the Division of Graduate Studies on March 15.

For spring enrollment, application materials are due in the Department of Applied Biological Sciences and the Division of Graduate Studies on October 15.

Selection Procedures and Notifications

Department faculty evaluate the applications and supporting materials, and recommend to the Division of Graduate Studies whether the applicant should be granted regular or provisional admission or if admission should be denied. If admission is provisional, the Division of Graduate Studies, in its letter of admission, specifies the provisions to be met to gain regular status. The school informs successful applicants of the procedures for enrollment.

Program of Study

A minimum of 30 semester hours of approved graduate coursework is required. All students are required to complete two seminars: ABS 591 in the spring semester and ABS 691 in the fall semester. All students also are expected to complete three semester hours of research and three semester hours of thesis. The remaining hours are chosen to support the student's educational objectives.

Note: There are no foreign language requirements and no comprehensive examinations.

Thesis Requirements

A thesis is required.

Final Examinations

A final oral examination covering the thesis and related subject matter is required.

Several faculty in this program also participate in offering the Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning program or the Ph.D. in Plant Biology program. See the Doctor of Philosophy program for general information on the Ph.D. degree at Arizona State University.

Graduate Credit Courses

Courses at the 500, 600, and 700 levels are graduate credit courses. Courses at the 400 level apply to graduate degree requirements when appearing on an approved program of study. However, 400-level courses are not graduate courses by definition and cannot be certified as such for purposes of employment or transferring to other institutions.

Applied Biological Sciences (ABS) Courses

For further information, contact:
Department of Applied Biological Sciences
Phone: (480) 727-1444
E-Mail: appliedbiologicalsciences@asu.edu