Master of Science in Biology - Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics Emphasis Area (STEM)

at MSM Group - University of Missouri-St. Louis USA

The Chemistry & Biochemistry Master of Science degree is a 30 credit hour program that is customizable depending on the interests of the student. Students may choose to focus their coursework in a few, some, or all chemical disciplines including organic, inorganic, biochemical, physical, and analytical chemistry.

A BS or BA in a scientific discipline is the most compatible baccalaureate degree for the MS program, although other degrees will be considered for strong candidates.

The Chemistry and Biochemistry department has a strong research emphasis as well as a dedication to teaching, but is of medium size allowing substantial interaction between faculty and students. There is an international make-up to the faculty and postdoctoral fellows, and there are graduate students presently in the department from the United States and abroad. The department is very well equipped with modern instrumentation and computing resources. These include outstanding NMR, microscopy, X-ray and mass spectrometry facilities, with two 300 MHz and one 600 MHz NMR spectrometers, two single-crystal and one powder X-ray diffractometers, a Bruker Maxis Plus and GC-MS facilities. Areas of research specialization include the traditional areas of inorganic, organic, physical, and biological chemistry, as well as organometallic, supramolecular, surface chemistry, computational chemistry, laser spectroscopy and the study of new materials. Former graduates are employed in research positions in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, in academic positions, and in other areas such as high-tech computer applications.

The University of Missouri-St. Louis is situated on landscaped grounds in suburban St. Louis and has a student body of about 15,000. UMSL is a growing campus. Recent additions include a new Computer Science building, the Center for Nanoscience, the Millenium Student Center, the Touhill Performing Arts Center, and a new Science Learning Building containing state of the art teaching laboratories. UMSL is located in suburban St. Louis County about 5 miles from the St. Louis airport, near the intersection of interstates 70 and 170. There are two Metrolink stations on the campus that provide easy light-rail access to the airport, downtown St. Louis, Forest Park (which houses the Zoo, the Art Museum and the History Museum) and to the popular dining/shopping areas in the Delmar Loop and the Central West End.

The BS in Data Science and Analysis is an interdisciplinary program that is designed for students who want to develop statistical and data science skills. While data science is at the core of this program, students will also select a specialization from one of the following emphasis areas: biology, computer science, economics, mathematics, social science or supply chain analytics.

Students will learn the latest techniques including Python, R, Big Data and Data Mining. This degree will require between 36- and 51-credit hours to complete, depending on the emphasis area selected.

Bachelor of Science students are prepared for a career in the chemical industry, graduate work in the chemical sciences, health sciences, medicine, business, marketing or law. The BS degree is intended for those who want to become professional chemists or as preparation for graduate study in chemistry or biochemistry.

The BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice is an interdisciplinary program incorporating knowledge from criminology, social science, law, public administration and corrections, and provides an understanding of the assumptions, values and processes of the justice system. Core coursework includes theories of crime, criminal law, criminal justice policy and research/statistical methods in criminology and criminal justice. Students also select courses in policing, courts or corrections and more.

Credit may be allowed for individuals certified as law enforcement officers in Missouri and Illinois, as well as certified Federal law enforcement officers/agents who successfully completed police academy training. Consideration may be given to individuals certified as law enforcement officers/agents from other states.

Bachelor of Arts students are prepared for a career in the chemical industry, graduate work in the chemical sciences, health sciences, medicine, business, marketing or law. The BA is also intended primarily for pre-professional students in the health sciences and related areas such as pharmacy, as well as prelaw students interested in patent law.

The Bachelor’s degrees in Economics are available as both a BS, which is designated as a STEM program, and a BA. The BA in Economics is designed for students who want to think analytically and apply their knowledge to a broad range of topics such as property rights, environmental regulation, labor markets and government regulation, while the BS in Economics is designed for students who want to develop analytical and quantitative skills and apply that knowledge to a range of topics such as economic modeling, financial markets and market analysis.

A unique feature of our department is the opportunity to take a large number of courses in applied economics and data analysis, in addition to traditional economics coursework. Students work as research assistants, peer tutors and collaborate on projects.

The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with an Emphasis in Data Science provides a sufficient background in mathematics, statistics and computer science. This degree is structured to allow additional optional courses that enable the student to focus on a variety of further areas of interest. Students seeking to major in mathematics are first designated as “pre-mathematics majors” until they have completed both MATH 1900 and MATH 2000 or equivalent courses with grades of C or better.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with an Emphasis in Studio Practice offers students the opportunity to explore essential cultural and professional systems through creative visual practice. The degree is considered a professional degree program in art, as well as traditional preparation to pursue graduate studies in the field.

Studio Practice encompasses painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and digital arts in 2D and 3D. Students encounter both traditional and new technologies in their study and in creating the visual world in which we live. Students in the Studio Practice program enjoy the benefits of close relationships with the St. Louis visual arts professional community. Our professors maintain a rigorous program that prepares students for immediate employment as creative professionals and enriches lives through creative practice.

The MBA program is designed to accommodate a busy professional’s life by offering classes in the evening, online or in a hybrid format, enabling students to balance school, work, and life. MBA students may choose to build a general, broad-ranging program or focus with an emphasis in accounting, business analytics, cybersecurity, finance, information systems and technology, international business, management, marketing and supply chain management.

Emphasis areas are available in: Accounting, Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Finance, Information Systems and Technology, International Business, Management, Marketing and Supply Chain Management.

The BS in Physics with an Emphasis in Biophysics is designed to prepare students for a professional career in biophysics, biological physics or a related interdisciplinary field; for graduate studies in biophysics, biological physics, or a related interdisciplinary field; for training as a medical physicist; or for professional training such as medical school. Other emphasis areas offered include: Astrophysics; Engineering Physics; and General Physics.

Outcomes and Career Outlook

Upon completion of the BS in Physics, with an emphasis in Biophysics graduates will be able to demonstrate a solid understanding of basic physics concepts including classical mechanics, electricity, magnetism, thermal and statistical physics, modern electronics and quantum mechanics; understand basic biological concepts, from organ systems to biochemistry; understand the basic concepts of biophysics, and the various areas of interdisciplinary science where biophysics concepts and techniques are applicable; solve problems, think critically and use analytical reasoning as applied to scientific problems; be proficient in communication of the results of scientific work; conduct original scientific research as part of an interdisciplinary problem-solving team; identify possible errors in scientific data; and assess the significance of observed results.