MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
Master of Science in Integrative Biological Diversity
| Michelle Monette, Co-Graduate Coordinator, SB 141 | Phone: (203) 837-9894 |
| Email: ibdcoordinator@wcsu.edu | |
| Hannah Reynolds, Co-Graduate Coordinator, SB 213 | Phone: (203) 837-8796 |
| Email: ibdcoordinator@wcsu.edu | |
| Eliamar Gonzalez, Department Secretary, SB 220 | Phone: (203) 837-8791 |
| Email: gonzalezel@wcsu.edu | |
| Fax: (203) 837-8769 |
| Participating WCSU Faculty | D. Christopher; N. Connally; J. Cordeira; K. Giamanco; M. Monette; T. Pinou: H. Reynolds; C. Santibanez-Lopes; M. Wagener; E. Wong. |
Program Overview and Mission
The Master of Science (MS) degree in Integrative Biological Diversity blends the biological and environmental sciences with current social issues in order to train students to assess, manage, and think critically about biodiversity issues. The Integrative Biological Diversity degree combines graduate courses with faculty expertise across the Connecticut State Colleges and University (CSCU) System, specifically with the Department of Environment, Geography, and Marine Sciences at SCSU. Students have opportunities to collaborate with partnering organizations to engage in real-world practice. This program is suitable for secondary education teachers, current environmental science professionals, and others who are interested in a graduate-level biology degree that focuses on the ecological, physiological, and natural history of biological organisms.
Learning Goals
The MS in Integrative Biological Diversity develops environmentally-responsible stewards that can apply scientific thinking to conserve biological resources, manage biodiversity, and address the concerns of stakeholders.
Objectives
Students in the MS in Integrative Biological Diversity program will:
- apply the use of technologies (e.g. molecular methods or use of geographic information systems) to assess biological diversity and/or environmental health.
- examine, quantify and describe organismal diversity across temporal and spatial scales (e.g. using geographic or phylogenetic analysis)
- communicate with stakeholders about critical issues surrounding biodiversity (e.g., climate change, sustainability, emerging infectious diseases).
Learning Outcomes:
The MS in Integrative Biological Diversity will produce professionals who
- can define diversity and explain the interconnections of organisms that are the result of millions of years of coexistence and adaptation,
- are able to measure and monitor biodiversity using fundamental ecological techniques as well as in spatial and temporal dimensions,
- understand the adaptive relationship between form and function and mechanisms that control this relationship, and
- strive to maintain biodiversity through policy, sustainable development, and stewardship.
Admission Requirements
A student wishing to obtain a MS in Integrative Biological Diversity must hold a baccalaureate degree in biology, environmental science, or related program. The program welcomes students from diverse educational backgrounds (including non-science majors) who have experience or have completed previous coursework in biodiversity. The applicant should have an undergraduate cumulative average of at least 3.0 on a GPA scale of 1 – 4 or a recommendation from the graduate program coordinator. Prospective students should submit all undergraduate transcripts and a 500 word essay explaining why they would like to join the program. Students can enroll full-time or part-time, but full-time students who successfully complete the stewardship seminar will be given funding priority for Graduate Assistantships (GA), Teaching Assistant Fellowships (TAF) and/or grant-funded training fellowships. The deadline to submit an application for Fall admission is March 15th, but applications will be accepted afterwards on a case-by-case basis.
For more information and a TAF application: Teaching Assistant Fellowship
All admission materials should be forwarded to the Office of Graduate Admissions, Western Connecticut State university, 181 White Street, Danbury CT 06897 or sent as an attachment to graduateadmissions@wcsu.edu.
To learn more about the program and apply, visit MS Integrative Biological Diversity
Application
To complete an application: Graduate Application
International Students: Instructions for International Students
Fast Track Application for WCSU Alumni: FAST TRACK APPLICATION
Degree Requirements
MS in Integrative Biological Diversity requires the completion of a total of 30 credits in one of two options.
Option 1: 27 credits of coursework, and 3 credits of stewardship.
Option 2: 21 credits of coursework, 3 credits of stewardship, 6 credits of thesis.
Students must take courses from both WCSU and SCSU campuses.
Master of Science in Integrative Biological Diversity
| Required courses | 9 SH |
| Stewardship Seminar (BIO 505) | 1 SH |
| Applied Stewardship (BIO 506) | 2 SH |
| Climate Change (BIO 559 – SCSU) | 3 SH |
| Technology Course (several options) | 3 SH |
| * | |
| Electives courses | 21 SH |
| Thesis Track | 15 SH |
| Thesis Research (BIO 592) | 6 SH |
| or | |
| Non-Thesis Track | 21 SH |
| Total Credits | 30 SH |
| Available WCSU Courses unless otherwise noted: | |
| A designation of “T” indicates technology course. | |
| BIO 505 Stewardship Seminar | 1 SH |
| BIO 506 Applied Stewardship | 2 SH |
| BIO 504 Limnology | 3 SH |
| BIO 507 Biodiversity of Fungi | 3 SH |
| BIO 508 Public Policy for Biodiversity | 3 SH |
| BIO 509 GIS for Biological and Environmental Sciences (T) | 4 SH |
| BIO 516 Current Techniques in Cell and Molecular Biology (T) | 3 SH |
| BIO 522 Ecosystems and Environmental Concerns (SCSU course) | 3 SH |
| BIO 527 Analytical Technology / Instrumentation (SCSU course) | 6 SH |
| BIO 530 Population Genetics (T) | 3 SH |
| BIO 538 Molecular Mechanisms of Animal Development (T) | 3 SH |
| BIO 539 Molecular Biology of Prokaryotes (T) | 3 SH |
| BIO 542 Long Island Sound (SCSU course) | 3 SH |
| BIO 543 Stream Ecology | 4 SH |
| BIO 544 Readings and Research in Environmental Concerns (SCSU course) | 3 SH |
| BIO 545 Advanced Systematic Biology (T) | 3 SH |
| BIO 550 Environmental Design (SCSU course) | 3 SH |
| BIO 555 Conservation Physiology | 3 SH |
| BIO 556 Herpetology | 4 SH |
| BIO 559 Energy Use and Global Climate Change (SCSU course) | 3 SH |
| BIO 565 Topics in Animal Behavior | 3 SH |
| BIO 592 Independent Thesis Research | 1-6 SH |
| BIO 598 Faculty-Developed Study | 1-4 SH |
| BIO 599 Student-Developed Study | 1-6 SH |
| BIO 600 Continuing Integrative Biological Diversity Thesis Research | 3 SH |