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With locations in Tahlequah, Muskogee and Broken Arrow, NSU is Oklahoma’s immersive learning institution. Choose from in-person, blended or online learning options.

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NSU is committed to assisting students in applying and earning scholarships. Whether you are an incoming freshman or a continuing/returning student, NSU has a wide variety of scholarship options for students to choose from.

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From networking to leadership opportunities, NSU’s over 80 clubs and organizations allow our students to build lasting relationships while getting the full college experience.

Homecoming

In 1924, NSU hosted its first-ever homecoming. One hundred years later, NSU and the Alumni Association invite you to return to NSU for the centennial celebration - Forever Green.

Graduate College

Whether transitioning to graduate school or returning to higher education, NSU’s graduate college is your next step. Choose from over 25 master's degrees and several certificate programs.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NATURAL SCIENCE

Purpose

The Master of Science in Natural Sciences program provides students with multi-disciplinary training in the natural sciences beyond that of the baccalaureate degree. Students pursuing a traditional thesis-based M.S. degree will gain experience in the design, execution, and reporting of scientific research by completing an original research project, while non-thesis students take more formal coursework and complete a capstone project. The curriculum consists of formal courses in the natural sciences and incorporates the candidate’s background, goals, and objectives. Adequate classroom instruction is a critical part to broadening students’ understanding of science and enabling them to be successful researchers. In addition, the program also includes multi-disciplinary courses that provide exposure to a wider range of concepts and topics than are typically included in a more traditional, discipline specific graduate program.  Many of the issues our society faces today are multi-disciplinary in nature, and scientists who are comfortable with approaching these issues from a multi-disciplinary angle will be very valuable.  Thus, the coursework for this program is designed to provide students the skills they need to understand and appreciate multi-disciplinary approaches to problem solving in science, without sacrificing the deeper understanding of a specific discipline in science. A central goal of the program is to prepare students for doctoral programs and/or employment in the natural sciences or advancement in their current profession.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Expand the breadth of knowledge in basic science content within the chosen field of emphasis.
  2. Enhance presentation skills in both writing and speech.
  3. Generate new scientific knowledge within the field of emphasis.

The student will give an oral defense of his/her research thesis. The thesis shall be approved by the advisory committee and by the Dean of the Graduate College before the degree is conferred. A maximum of six hours of thesis credit can be applied toward the minimum hours required for the master’s degree.

Capstone Candidates


The student will complete 8 hours of electives and the capstone sequence. Student must complete a comprehensive oral examination covering coursework and the capstone sequence.

M.S. in Natural Science - 36 hours


Accelerated B.S. Chemistry to M.S. Natural Science Degree - Thesis Pathway


Note:  Please refer to Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree Program for complete information concerning the Accelerated Degree Program (ADP).  Refer to the current Undergraduate Catalog for bachelor’s degree requirements.

IMPORTANT:

  • Students admitted to the Accelerated B.S. Chemistry: Biochemistry or Chemistry: Professional to M.S. Natural Science degree program will complete 6-9 hours of graduate level credit to apply toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.
  • Students who do not follow the approved degree plan may become ineligible to continue in the accelerated degree program. 
  • Prior to completing the undergraduate degree, if the undergraduate GPA, graduate GPA and/or overall GPA fall below a 3.00, the student becomes ineligible to continue in the ADP.
  • Students may withdraw from an approved accelerated degree pathway.  Graduate credit hours completed prior to the student withdrawing or becoming ineligible to continue in the ADP apply toward the undergraduate degree only.

ADP Paired Courses (Biochemistry Option)

CHEM 4412 - Research in Chemistry I SCI 5530 (2 hrs) - Research in the Natural Sciences
CHEM 4723 - Advanced Biochemistry CHEM 5213 - Advanced Biochemistry
CHEM 4911 - Chemistry Seminar I SCI 5511 - Research Seminar
Approved Undergraduate-Level CHEM Electives (3 hrs) Approved Graduate-Level CHEM Electives (3 hrs)

ADP Paired Courses (Professional Option)

CHEM 4412 - Research in Chemistry I SCI 5530 (2 hrs) - Research in the Natural Sciences
CHEM 4911 - Chemistry Seminar I SCI 5511 - Research Seminar
Approved Undergraduate-Level CHEM Electives (3 hrs) Approved Graduate-Level CHEM Electives (3 hrs)
Free Electives (3 hrs - Optional) Approved Graduate-Level CHEM Electives (3 hrs - Optional)

Natural Sciences Certificate

Location(s): Tahlequah, Broken Arrow

OSRHE Program Code: 209
CIP Code: 301801

Certificate Code: 7705

This certificate is embedded in the Natural Sciences, M.S.

The Master of Science in Natural Sciences program provides students with multi-disciplinary training in the natural sciences. The embedded graduate certificate in Natural Sciences will provide students with a graduate level research experience, seminar presentations, and course work. 

At least 25 percent of the coursework applied to this embedded certificate must be satisfactorily completed at NSU.

Required Courses - 10 hours


Students will take SCI 5511 twice; and SCI 5530 for a minimum of 2 credit hours.

Electives - 8 hours


Students can choose research hours or take graduate level biology, chemistry or physics courses for a total of 8 hours.

Certificate Total - 18 hours

Future Students

Go Apply

Request Information

Degree Available At

  • Tahlequah
  • Broken Arrow

Starting Your NSU Journey?

Make your transition to NSU as smooth and seamless as possible.
Visit our Graduate College Checklist for more information.

Career Services

What Can I Do With A Major in Natural Science?

  • Biologist
  • Chemist
  • Physicist
  • College Professor
  • Technical Writer
  • Health-related Professional Schools

Program Chair:

Dr. Sung Kun Kim

Dr. Sung Kun Kim
918-449-6414

 

 

Did You Know?

The abilities you gain with a natural science master's enables you to work in a variety of scientific and other professional roles. You will have learned to think independently, solve problems, and be analytical in your approach - a skills set that many employers require.

Program Requirements

  • 3.0 GPA in last 60 hours
  • Undergraduate background of at least 20 semester hours in the natural sciences and/or engineering
  • 2 References
  • Advisor Selection Form

Application Deadline

  • Open Year Round

 

 

 

 

*Fees include: facility fee, student activity fee, infrastructure fee, cultural/scholastic lecturer fee, student ID fee, technology services fee and remedial course fee, if applicable. NSU courses taught at off campus locations or online might have additional fees assessed. These totals are tuition and fee estimations per program based on the current catalog year. Books, supplies and some fees may not be included.

47%

Minority Students

$48,195,863

Total Aid Disbursed in 2020-2021

1,471

Bachelors Degrees Awarded Last Year

nsu recognized by study dot com as one of the bestnsu ranked as the best bachelor in finance program

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