Bachelor of Science in Biology

at California State University - Monterey Bay USA

Our global society presents a complex picture of human conditions that can be examined politically, economically, culturally, historically, socially, technologically, and behaviorally. In the Social & Behavioral Sciences major, you will gain knowledge and skills that are necessary for solving many of the world’s most pressing social problems.

We integrate seven social scientific fields of study to help you understand the full range of tools social scientists may use to develop innovative solutions. You will also specialize in one of these social sciences to acquire a deeper understanding of some of those tools.  In addition, you have the opportunity to take courses in related majors such as Psychology and Global Studies.

Social scientists work in education, business, law, government, non-governmental organizations and civil society at local, national, and global levels, helping to shape discussions and affect positive change through teaching, research, and service.

The MSPA program at CSUMB is a full-time, 28-month, year-round graduate program, consisting of 83 credit hours completed over 7 semesters. MSPA courses have a different fee structure and academic calendar. The curriculum is separated into didactic, clinical, and hybrid semesters. The curriculum structure is specially designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be competent PAs upon completion of the program.

Student are required to participate in all program activities, comply with all program and university policies, and demonstrate professional behavior as defined in the MSPA Student Handbook. Students are assessed through written examinations and performance evaluations throughout the duration of the program. Students must pass each component of the curriculum to make satisfactory progress in the program.

The M.S. in Environmental Science offers innovative, interdisciplinary training in science and technology within the context of environmental policy. There are two M.S. degree options: Professional Science Master’s (PSM) and thesis.

Within the PSM option, you will deepen the skills you learn in the classroom through a professional internship. The PSM option gives you flexibility to structure your graduate experience around your professional interests. You will develop specialized skills that will distinguish your entry into a career that requires highly skilled professionals within technology and applied science-based companies, resource management and planning agencies, scientific and environmental consulting firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The thesis option focuses on independent research intended for professional publication, and can launch you into a doctoral program or a professional career in scientific research, resource management, education, and policy.

Located at the nexus of world-class research agencies and institutes, state and regional preserves, the Fort Ord National Monument, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, CSU Monterey Bay is a prime location for studying watershed, terrestrial, and coastal environments.

The Visual and Public Art major challenges and supports you as you develop enduring skills and perspectives. The curriculum combines studio work and public art processes. Theory and practice cover artistic production, exhibition, ethical interpretation, visual literacy and reciprocal community engagement. Through a rich interdisciplinary curriculum comprised of painting and mural techniques, sculpture and installation, integrated media and photography, arts educations and museum studies, you will graduate prepared to engage in individual and collaborative art methodologies.

The School Psychology program is designed to prepare professional K-12 school psychologists with the essential competencies to provide the complex services demanded of schools within the educational system. The program is designed to foster development along the ten NASP domains, with a focus in each area around serving culturally and linguistically diverse students in diverse settings.

CSUMB offers a Master of Science in Marine Science through Moss Landing Marine Labs. Both campuses are located near the shores of Monterey Bay, an extraordinary place that is home to one of the greatest concentrations of marine science research and education institutions anywhere in the world. CSUMB is located only 20 minutes south of MLML and is by far the closest of the seven CSU consortium campuses affiliated with MLML.

You can enroll through CSUMB and can take advantage of CSUMB housing and other resources, while doing most of your masters work with MLML faculty in MLML facilities. The MLML masters program is widely known and respected as one of the top marine science programs in the nation. It will build upon your existing bachelors degree to give you the knowledge, skills, experience, and professional contacts you’ll need to take your marine-related career to a new level!

The Biology major offers scaffolded courses that provide students with essential knowledge and skills that prepare graduates for success in jobs, graduate school, or professional school in areas such as biotechnology, genomics, health-related fields, agriculture, field biology, ecology, and marine biology. The highly trained faculty are committed to student success, and provide opportunities for undergraduates to be involved in cutting-edge independent research, as well as service to the community. Many of the biology courses provide course-based research experiences that prepare graduates for admission to world-renowned graduate and professional schools.

The Biology major offers concentrations in:

• Molecular Biology
• Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
• Teacher Preparation

The Master of Arts in Education prepares strong education professionals to have an informed understanding of complex learning; the knowledge and skills to promote such learning; and the disposition to advocate effectively for the learning, living and growth of students, especially those who bring cultural, linguistic and other diversity to schools. The program coursework challenges educators to analyze and improve their instructional practice to better serve students with diverse ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, as well as students with special needs.

Curriculum and Instruction

The Master of Arts in Education provides advanced training to prepare effective professional educators who implement evidence-based practices to promote meaningful outcomes in our schools and communities.

The Human Development & Family Science major focuses on human development from infancy through old age. Students will examine how family and community dynamics affect the development of individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and life experiences. Through fieldwork, program evaluation, and service-learning, students become prepared to work with children, youth, families, and elders in education or social service programs.

To learn more about the major, visit the Human Development and Family Science Department.

Statistics is the study of data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation. Statisticians summarize and visualize data in meaningful ways, test hypotheses, estimate unknown quantities in the population, and predict unknown outcomes based on available data.

The Statistics B.S. prepares you (i) to summarize and visualize data, (ii) to analyze data to address research objectives, (iii) to communicate results clearly and effectively in both oral and written forms, (iv) to understand the role of the profession in service of society, and (v) to work in interdisciplinary environments.

Our program is designed for two paths. The first path is for workforce immediately after the B.S. degree such as industry (e.g., business, pharmaceuticals, actuarial science) and federal agencies. The second path is to pursue graduate degrees (M.S., M.A., or Ph.D.) in statistics, biostatistics, data science, and related fields requiring the statistical skills.