Accelerated B.A./Master's Degree Program: Biology
Overview
The Master of Arts in Biology program is intended for biology and biochemistry majors who
develop sharply focused research interests. Students should have most, if not
all, their course work behind them so that they can focus on research. It is
expected that students will complete their research and write a thesis within
the 5th year. Research foci for the M.A. include cell and molecular biology,
biochemistry, and various topics in ecology and evolution. Students may also
conduct research at the UMASS Medical Center in conjunction with an advisor in
the Biology Department.
Program of Study
Beginning in the senior year, students take at least four graduate-level
biology courses that are approved by their faculty advisor. Courses at the
200-level or 300-level are eligible for graduate credit. All 200-level courses
must be completed with a grade of B+ or better. Students must also prepare a
written thesis, based on original research. Typically students will begin the
research for their thesis no later than the fall of their senior year. Students
conduct research working in close collaboration with faculty advisors and with
doctoral students.
Departmental Eligibility Requirements
The M.A. is open to biology and biochemistry majors only. Students must
complete the chemistry, mathematics and physics requirements for the biology
major by the end of the junior year.
Advice for Prospective Students
Students should have an area of research and an advisor chosen by the
middle of their junior year. Students are advised to review the research
interests of the faculty and to contact those professors whose research is of
interest.
Program Advisor (Signature Required on Application: Part 1)
Susan Foster, Accelerated B.A./Master's Degree Program Advisor
Lasry Biosciences Center, Room 233
508-793-7204
sfoster@clarku.edu
Student Profiles
- Sarah Deroko (M.A. 2004) is a research associate at University of
Massachusetts Medical School
- Katie Kopycinski (M.A. 2004) is a research technician at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
- Julie Mazeika (M.A. 2004) is a research fellow in Molecular and Cellular Biology at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- Alex Nagle (M.A. 2004) is enrolled at Albany Medical College
- Michael Gershenovich (M.A. 2003) is a research associate at Genzyme Corporation
- Freya Hendrickson (M.A. 2003) is a research technician at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
- Ok Shin (M.A. 2003) is in the Ph.D. program in Immunology at Tufts University
- Leah Fico (M.A. 2002) is a research associate at Cambria Bioscience in Boston, M.A.
- Nicholas Guerin (M.A. 2002) teaches at Wachusett Regional High School
- Ensar Halilovic (M.A. 2002) is in the Ph.D. program at Cornell Medical School,
NYC
- Alicia Mihaliak (M.A. 2002) is in the Ph.D. program at University of
Massachusetts Medical School
- Nora Mineva (M.A. 2002) is in the Ph.D. program at Boston University Medical
School
- Jennifer Saporita (M.A. 2002) is a research technician at University of
Massachusetts
Medical Center in Worcester, M.A.
- Megan Staples (M.A. 2002) is a research associate GPC Biotech in Waltham, M.A.
- Charlene Manning (M.A. 2001) is a research associate at Genzyme Corporation
- Tyler Higgins (M.A. 2001) is a program analyst at the National Science Foundation
- Lisa Kuchnicki (M.A. 2000) is a research technician at Abbott Bioresearch
Center
in Worcester, M.A.
- Kristin Millar (M.A. 1999) is teaching high school biology