Biology Master of Applied Science

Academics
Biology
Graduate Program and BS/MS Pathway
Biology Master of Applied Science

The Biology Master of Applied Science (M.A.S.) is a project-based degree, with the option to do a research project, project-based internship or service learning project, or to develop a method in biology that is new to CWU. The Biology M.A.S. is an alternative to the traditional thesis-based Master of Science (M.S.) degree. Projects in the M.A.S. degree program are often narrow in scope and may be an extension of existing projects, including those related to a student’s work in an agency or industry. The M.A.S. is designed for students moving directly into a professional career in Biology, rather than continuing academic studies (e.g., doctoral programs). It is, therefore, focused on skills that can be applied to professional practice. This is a 45-credit degree program.

Admission Requirements
Admission is a two-step process. Applicants must first meet the general requirements for graduate program acceptance as determined by the School of Graduate Studies and Research and then the specific requirements of the Department of Biological Sciences which are:

An undergraduate degree in biology or closely related field.
Students must arrange for a graduate faculty advisor in the Department of Biological Sciences to serve as their major advisor prior to entering the program.

Graduation Requirements
All M.A.S. degree options will include a three-person graduate committee. There are three options for the M.A.S. degree program:

Option 1: Research Project: A research project is a structured investigation into a specific question or topic, aiming to add to existing knowledge or solve a problem. It involves a systematic process of analyzing and interpreting data to draw conclusions and potentially offer new insights. Research projects can be conducted in various fields of biology and can involve different methods, such as surveys, experiments, or field/lab work.

Option 2: Project-Based Internship or Service-Learning Project: A project-based internship focuses on a student completing a specific, real-world project within an organization, typically over a defined period. A service-learning project combines community service with academic learning, where students apply classroom knowledge to address real-world needs and gain valuable experiences. Both are designed to be meaningful for students and the community, fostering civic responsibility and personal growth. Internships and service-learning projects should be sought by the student well in advance of the student entering the MAS program.

Option 3: Development of New Methodology for Biological Research: The development or application of methods, new to CWU, to conduct laboratory, field, or model-based research can be a significant contribution to science. Bringing a new method to CWU requires understanding the limitations of existing methods and demonstrating the new method’s efficacy through appropriate data collection, often including controls. The methods developed for an MAS must be a significant change/addition from existing methods at CWU, as determined by the student’s committee.

For any of the options, each student will complete a a written report/summary, followed by a formal open presentation. The detailed activities of each student’s project, as well as the structure of their written culminating experience and presentation will be developed by the student in conjunction with their graduate committee.

Program Requirements
Up to 15 graduate-level credits or dual-enrollment credits taken as an undergraduate at CWU can be used to meet the credit requirements for this degree.

Project Requirements

The student will complete the project activities as advised by the student’s graduate committee.
The student will write a summary of their activities and findings, in a format agreed upon with the student’s graduate committee.
The student will give an oral presentation of their work to the community.

Program Learner Outcomes

Communicate in the disciplinary language about a topic in a specific field of biology.
Conduct an applied biology project or experience that is documented by a written report that integrates background relevance, and has clear methodology or outcomes to a specific field of biology.
Apply technical and/or professional skills relevant to a career in biology.