Master of Science in Biology

The mission of the Biology Program

The mission of the Biology Program is to provide students with a high-quality education that includes experience with research and field projects. The program provides a scientific and technical background that empowers students to successfully pursue science and technology careers or proceed to advanced graduate studies. Faculty strive to make each student’s educational experience challenging and rewarding.

The Biology Program prides itself on its ability to place students into bioscience careers. Data suggest that our graduates are highly successful in being admitted to and completing medical, dental, and veterinary schools and graduate programs nationwide. The department attributes this success to intensive biology laboratory and field experiences with cutting-edge technology and instructors committed to individual student progress. Facilities include laboratories in physiology, microbiology, molecular biology, plant biology, and a greenhouse, as well as nearby field sites for ecological research. A computer laboratory with bioinformatics software is available for classroom and student use. Graduate students in biology are taught the practical use of common scientific instrumentation they will encounter in their careers.

Master of Science in Natural Sciences (MS) Concentration in Biology (thesis option)

Required Core Courses: 19 credit hours

• BIOL 6000 Research Methods in Life Science (3)
• BIOL 6200 Advanced Topic in Biology* (2/2)

*Repeated for credit with different subject matter for a total of four credit hours

• BIOL 6500 Grad Seminar in Life Science* (1/1/1/1)

*Repeated four times for a total of four credit hours

• BIOL 5590 Fundamental Principles of Laboratory Safety (1)
• INDP 6920 Research Ethics and Integrity (1)

Choose at least two of the following:

• BIOL 6100 Environmental Physiology (3)
• BIOL 6400 Advanced Molecular and Cell Biology (3)
• BIOL 6300 Advanced Microbiology (3)
• BIOL 6890

Thesis Option:

• BIOL 6990 Thesis (1-7)

Elective Courses:

Choose from the following courses in consultation with your adviser. Other 5000- and 6000-level courses offered in chemistry, forestry, geology, psychology, or other appropriate disciplines may be substituted for electives listed below with the approval of your biology adviser.

Elective Courses, Thesis Option: 12 hours

Electives:

• BIOL 5050 Bacterial Physiology (3)
• BIOL 5150 Biotechnology (4)
• BIOL 5230 Molecular & Cell Biology (4)
• BIOL 5240 Molecular & Cell Biology Laboratory (1)
• BIOL 5250 Marine Biology (4)
• BIOL 5270 Immunology (3)
• BIOL 5320 Vertebrate Physiology (4)
• BIOL 5350 Selected Topics in Life Science (1-4)
• BIOL 5550 Wildlife Diseases (3)
• BIOL 5630 Nutrition (3)
• BIOL 5700 Comparative Animal Behavior (4)
• BIOL 5720 Human Evolutionary Behavior (3)
• BIOL 5740 Tropical Ecology (3)
• BIOL 5750 Field Tropical Ecology (1-4 VC)
• BIOL 5760 Evolution (3)
• BIOL 5770 Macroevolution (3)
• BIOL 5800 Parasitology (4)
• BIOL 5810 Develop Biology (4)
• BIOL 5850 Endocrinology (4)
• BIOL 5870 Histology (4)
• BIOL 5880 Soil Ecology (4)
• BIOL 5890 Molecular Evolution and Ecology (4)
• BIOL 5980 Applied Biological Research (1-4 VC)
• BIOL 5930 Field Botany (2)
• BIOL 5940 Field Zoology (3)
• CHEM 5810 Biochemistry 1 (3)
• CHEM 5820 Biochemistry 2 (3)
• M.S. Thesis Defense
• Open seminar and oral defense

Thesis Degree Total: 34

Concentration in Biology (non-thesis option)

Choose at least 9 credits from the following:

• BIOL 6000 Research Methods (3)
• BIOL 6100 Environmental Physiology (3)
• BIOL 6300 Advanced Microbiology (3)
• BIOL 6400 Advanced Cellular Biology (3)
• PSY 6080 Introduction to Neuropsychology (3)
• BIOL 6890 Advanced Ecology (3)

Other required courses:

• INDP 6920 Research Ethics (1)
• BIOL 6500 Graduate Seminar (1)
• BIOL 5590 Lab Safety (1)
• BIOL 6200 Advanced Topics (2/2)
• Elective Courses, Non-Thesis Option (16)

Elective Courses:

Choose courses in consultation with your adviser in qualifying graduate classes from the graduate catalog: related fields with mentor approval (up to 12 credits from non-biology fields).

Non-Thesis Degree Total: 32

Students in the non-thesis program will complete a comprehensive exit exam and compile a research portfolio in order to fulfill their degree requirements.

New Mexico Highlands University is a public, state-run institution located in Las Vegas, New Mexico, with centers in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Farmington, and Roswell, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Mission

New Mexico Highlands University is a public comprehensive university serving our local and global communities. Our mission is to provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to attain an exceptional education by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and research in the liberal arts, sciences, and professions within a diverse community.

Vision

Our vision is to be a premier comprehensive university transforming lives and communities now and for generations to come.

Core Values

• Excellence
• Diversity
• Accessibility
• Responsiveness

International Students

A home away from home

Coming to a new country can be scary. But at Highlands, we offer you a home away from home.

Here, you won’t get lost in the crowd.

That’s because, at Highlands, you’re more than a student. You’re family.

This means we go above and beyond. We’ll be there for you when it counts.

One thing you’ll quickly discover is how approachable your professors and advisors are, whether you need research assistance or just want to talk.

You’ll also find a staff who genuinely cares and wants to help. They take pride in making sure they provide what you need, whether it’s transportation services to local stores so you can stock up on your essentials or leading recreation trips to nearby state and national parks.

Are you ready to make a change that will transform your life?

A place like no other

Speaking of outdoor recreation, you’ll immediately be blown away by the unique natural beauty of Las Vegas, New Mexico, just 45 minutes from Santa Fe. It merges desert landscapes with lush greenery and mountains, offering an experience like no other.

Appreciate what the four seasons have to offer, from swimming to skiing to white-water rafting. Our recreation center even provides free equipment!

Although we’re a small school, we offer a vibrantly diverse atmosphere. Twenty-four countries, including Nigeria, Jamaica, India, and China, are represented at Highlands.

Take a Virtual Campus Tour!

Learn from the best

Students come from around the world for our high-quality professors, renowned in their areas of expertise. But these professors are more than just educators. They are also mentors.

For instance, media arts student Ali Romero had this to say about professors Mariah Fox Hausman and Angela Meron: “Not only have Mariah and Angela taught me so much, they care about their students and their success. It’s amazing the things that can be accomplished when you have people like Mariah and Angela as your teachers and mentors.”

Real-life skills

In a survey conducted among 2019 graduates, 97% of respondents reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of instruction in their major.

The survey was filled with comments praising professors as “very knowledgeable and professional” and for teaching “more of what the real work environment is all about” by providing “skills, practical applications, and resources when working with clients.” Students were also pleased with the wealth of opportunities for “hands-on research for both grads and undergrads.”

In short: We are committed to your personal and professional growth.