The mission of the program offered by Sonoma State University?is to educate the next generation of scholars, professionals, and citizens so that they are prepared to meet the biological, environmental, and technological challenges of the future.

The Master of Science degree in the Department of Biology is a thesis research program. Students complete course work that allows them to master the concepts and techniques of their chosen discipline. They also conduct original research under the direction of a member of the faculty, and write up their findings as a Master's Thesis. Typically, students take two to three years to complete their graduate degree requirements.

Graduates of this program find themselves with an enhanced understanding of biology and first-hand experience in the practice of science. Many of our students go on to doctoral programs, others use their degree to pursue careers in teaching, research, environmental consulting, resource management, industry, and various health professions.