Biology Multi-Award Master's Program

Combined Degree, Unmatched Opportunity

Fredonia’s Combined B.S./M.S. in Biology program is designed for those with a passion for biology and a drive for deeper exploration. This accelerated track allows students to earn both degrees in just five years, blending undergraduate and graduate-level coursework and providing a clear advantage in both time and cost.

Program Benefits

Efficient Degree Path: Graduate with both a B.S. and M.S. in only five years, saving time and tuition.
Flexible Tracks: Choose between a Thesis Track for those aiming for research or Ph.D. pathways and a Comprehensive Exam Track for future medical, dental, or health profession students.
Undergraduate Research Integration: Conduct meaningful research from your undergraduate years, setting the foundation for a strong master’s thesis.
Career Readiness: Equip yourself for roles in industry, research, or further academic pursuits, gaining expertise beyond a bachelor’s degree.

What You'll Gain

Effective Communication: Learn to articulate scientific observations and critically assess scientific works.
Core Knowledge: Gain a solid grounding in biological science principles, scientific theory, and the nature of scientific inquiry.
Research Skills: Master experimental design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Cutting-Edge Facilities: Learn in labs equipped with advanced microscopy and molecular biology tools, unmatched by any undergraduate biology program in New York.
Award-Winning Faculty: Receive personalized instruction and research opportunities from faculty recognized for excellence in teaching and professional development.

Career Opportunities for Biology Multi-Award

Applied Research Scientist
Clinical Research Director
Dentist
Food Scientist
Medical Professional

Biotechnology Researcher
College Professor
Environmental Scientist
Marine Biologist
Pharmaceutical Research

What is a Biologist?

What does an example degree look like?

First Semester

Course	Title	Credits
BIOL 534	Animal Behavior	3
BIOL 511	Graduate Research Methods	3
BIOL 590	Graduate Seminar	1
	TOTAL	7

Second Semester

Course	Title	Credits
BIOL 550	Biological Conservation	3
BIOL 521	Graduate Science Communication	3
BIOL 590	Graduate Seminar	1
	TOTAL	7

Third Semester

Course	Title	Credits
BIOL 524	Aquatic Biology	3
BIOL 550	Cardiovascular Physiology	3
5xx-6xx	Graduate Elective	3
	TOTAL	9

Fourth Semester

Course	Title	Credits
BIOL 550	Cancer Biology	3
BIOL 580	Molecular Biology of Disease	3
BIOL 590	Graduate Seminar	1
	TOTAL	7

GRAND TOTAL:

This Sample Degree Map is based on the requirements published in the University Catalog.

First Semester

Course	Title	Credits
BIOL 534	Animal Behavior	3
BIOL 511	Graduate Research Methods	3
BIOL 590	Graduate Seminar	1
BIOL 690	Thesis Research*	0
	TOTAL	7

Second Semester

Course	Title	Credits
BIOL 550	Developmental Biology	3
BIOL 521	Graduate Science Communication	3
BIOL 590	Graduate Seminar	1
BIOL 690	Thesis Research*	0
	TOTAL	7

Third Semester

Course	Title	Credits
BIOL 524	Aquatic Biology	3
BIOL 550	Biological Conservation	3
BIOL 690	Thesis Research*	0
	TOTAL	6

Fourth Semester

Course	Title	Credits
BIOL 547	Evolution	3
BIOL 550	Plant Taxonomy	3
BIOL 590	Graduate Seminar	1
BIOL 690	Thesis Research	3
	TOTAL	10

GRAND TOTAL:

* BIOL 690 can be taken from 0 to 2 credits. If more credits are taken, the program's total credits can range from 30 to 36 credit hours.

This Sample Degree Map is based on the requirements published in the University Catalog.

What does your accelerated 5-year multi-degree look like?

View Curriculum and Requirements

BIOL 243 Organismal Biology

The goal of the course is to develop an expanded knowledge of organismal biology. Coverage will include evolution, population genetics, and taxonomy.

BIOL 590 Graduate Seminar

Presentation of detailed study of topic of current interest in the biological literature.

BIOL 511 Graduate Research Methods

We will address the nature of scientific reasoning, principles of research design, elements of scientific data, statistical analyses, and effective presentation of results.

It's Different Here

Senior Capstone

Transform theory into practice: choose research or internship for your required senior capstone experience.

Medical Internships

Complete your senior year in the field at NAACLS-accredited hospitals, from local partners to nationwide opportunities. Our med tech grads consistently land jobs before graduation.

Small Classes

Upper-division courses typically have less than 20 students. This allows for a great deal of student-faculty interaction.

Flasks and beakers in lab. Earning a biology degree prepares students for great careers in medicine and many other fields.

Medical Scientists

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.

Median Salary: $100,890 per year
Job Outlook 2023-2033: 11% growth
Typical Entry-Level Education: Doctoral degree

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Dental chair. Students who major in biology at a SUNY school can use the biology degree as a springboard to a dental career.

Dentists

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.

Median Salary: $170,910 per year
Job Outlook 2023-2033: 5% growth
Typical Entry-Level Education: Doctoral or professional degree

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Scuba diver in ocean. Students earning a Biology degree in New York State can travel the world studying myriad lifeforms.

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals, those both in captivity and in the wild, and how they interact with their ecosystems.

Median Salary: $70,600 per year
Job Outlook 2023-2033: 4% growth
Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Science center. Fredonia students with a Biology major can work in some of the best science facilities in SUNY.

Cutting-Edge Facilities

$60 Million Science Center

Experience hands-on learning with $5 million of cutting-edge equipment in our Science Center. As a Biology or Chemistry student, you'll use professional-grade tools in both teaching and research labs.