Florida Institute of Technology
High Tech with a Human Touch
Programs offered at our Main Campus
Reach your full academic and professional potential at Florida Tech. Our high-tech, high energy environment allows graduate students close interaction with faculty on exciting and innovative research projects through the College of Engineering, College of Science, College of Aeronautics, College of Business, and College of Psychology and Liberal Arts.
In addition to our on-campus programs, Florida Tech also offers master's degree and graduate certificate programs through Extended Studies at 10 U.S. sites in five states, including a well-established distance learning program provided through the Virtual Campus.
Master of Science in Biological Sciences – Marine Biology Option
The master of science degree in biology can be earned in one of five options: aquaculture, biotechnology, ecology, marine biology, or cell and molecular biology. The purpose of each option is to prepare the student either for a professional career or for further graduate study. This goal is achieved through a balance of course work and research activities.
Admission Requirements
General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview section of the university catalog. For this program, Graduate Record Examination scores (General Test only), three letters of recommendation and a statement of objectives are required. Admission decisions for fall semester enrollment are made by March 15, and for spring semester enrollment by October 1.
Degree Requirements
The master of science degree requires the successful completion of 34 credit hours, including formal course work, presentation of a graduate thesis seminar, and preparation and oral defense of a thesis. The thesis involves the completion of original research of publishable quality.
The student’s thesis research and program of study reflect the emphasis of the option. All thesis research is conducted under the direction of an adviser and an advisory committee. The advisory committee is composed of at least three members: two from the department (including the adviser) and one from another academic unit.
Curriculum
The adviser assists the student in devising a program of study. The latter requires approval by the Graduate Academic Steering Panel and the department head. The student must complete courses appropriate for the option. These can be chosen from the offerings of any academic unit in the College of Science, College of Engineering and College of Psychology and Liberal Arts. Students wanting to acquire special research skills should enroll in Biological Research Rotation (BIO 5998). A master’s student must elect the Biological Sciences Seminar (BIO 5990) every semester it is offered, except for the semester in which the student presents a thesis seminar. During this semester, the student will register for both Thesis (BIO 5999) and Biological Research Seminar (BIO 5991). Each student must present a departmental thesis seminar before graduation.
Summary of Program Requirements
| Formal Course Work (minimum) | 18 | |
| Biological Research Seminar | 1 | |
| Biological Research or Biological Research Rotation | 0-9 | |
| Thesis (maximum) | 6 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED | 34 |