The Biology Department has revamped its master's program in response to the needs of employers and students, according to Gregory Wadsworth, chair of the department.

“Students working full time typically do not have the flexible schedule required to complete the research component of a thesis,” said Wadsworth. "In the revised master's program, we provide these students with an alternative to the thesis requirement—a comprehensive exam upon the completion of their course work."

In place for the fall 2009 semester, the revised program is designed to meet the needs of three targeted groups: professional biologists; students seeking a graduate degree to improve their credentials for getting into medical or dental school; and middle- and high-school science teachers who need master’s degrees in the discipline to earn permanent teaching certification.

“Biologists may work for federal and state environmental or regulatory agencies,” said Wadsworth. “Others work outside of government as research scientists, in health care, or in environmental management.”

Students who are accepted into the revised graduate program can complete their master’s degree taking evening courses.