Missouri State University

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College of Natural and Applied Sciences 

Master of Natural and Applied Science Interdisciplinary Program

Program Description

The Master of Natural and Applied Science is designed to provide those working in an environment where scientific knowledge is a priority, such as science, teaching, and scientific applications, the opportunity to expand their knowledge and experiences consistent with their professional goals and objectives through an interdisciplinary program of study in the natural sciences. The curriculum will consist of formal courses in one or more areas of concentration, professional advisement, graduate seminars or research options (e.g., master's thesis), as well as incorporating the candidate's background, goals, and objectives.

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Program Objectives

  • To increase both the depth and breadth of knowledge in one or more of the areas in natural sciences for understanding and appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of science. To increase both the depth and breadth of knowledge in one or more of the areas in natural sciences for understanding and appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of science.
  • To provide advanced training and education for expanding current scientific knowledge and capabilities.To provide advanced training and education for expanding current scientific knowledge and capabilities.
  • To provide a base of knowledge or enhancement in an area of natural science outside an original field of study.To provide a base of knowledge or enhancement in an area of natural science outside an original field of study.

Admission Requirements

Students admitted to the Master of Natural and Applied Science in full standing must meet the following requirements:

  • A bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by agencies recognized by Missouri State or equivalent education from a foreign university.
  • An overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for the last 60 hours of course work, AND, a score of 475 or higher on either the verbal or the quantitative section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and a score of not less than 400 on the other sections: AND, be recommended in writing by both the department head of the student's desired major area and the Dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences, AND, have the approval of the Dean of the Graduate College.
  • International applicants are also required to submit a score of not less than 550 on the TOEFL, with a minimum of 50th percentile on the Listening Comprehension Section.
  • An undergraduate background of at least 20 semester hours in the natural sciences.

Degree Requirements

Minimum Hours

32 hours of graduate credit.

Advisory Committee

Initially, each student will be advised by the departmental coordinator of graduate studies from the area of greatest concentration. As soon as possible, the student will select a graduate faculty member from the department to chair a graduate advisory committee consisting of at least one faculty member from each minor area of study for a minimum of three members. This committee will supervise the remainder of the candidate's program.

Program of Study

Each individualized program will be structured by the advisory committee in consultation with the student. The academic background, professional experience, academic objectives, and personal needs will be considered in establishing the individual's program.

Students may elect areas of primary emphasis in the following departments: Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology and Planning, Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy, and Technology.

Students may elect areas of secondary emphasis in the following departments: Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology and Planning, Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy, and Technology.

Course Requirements

The unique combination of this interdisciplinary master's program allows for more than one area of concentration. The area selected for primary emphasis shall consist of 16-18 hours, with areas of secondary emphasis and any electives selected for a total of 14-16 hours. At least 16 hours must be in courses open only to graduate students (600 or above).

Grade Point Average

A GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for all graduate work at Missouri State and course work transferred in from other institutions is required.

Non-Thesis / Thesis Requirements

A student will be required to complete either the Non-Thesis Option or the Thesis Option.

Non-Thesis Option

The Non-Thesis option requires the completion of a minimum of one semester course which shall require an extensive research paper or creative work. The student's advisory committee must approve the final research paper and complete a Seminar Report form that is submitted to the academic department chosen as the major area of concentration and subsequently to the Graduate College for the approval of the Dean.

Thesis Option

The Thesis option requires the completion of a research thesis supervised by the student's advisory committee. The thesis shall be approved by the advisory committee and by the Dean of the Graduate College before the degree is granted. A maximum of six hours of thesis credit can be applied toward the minimum hours required for the master's degree.

Comprehensive Examination

After the course work has been completed, and upon approval of the advisory committee, a written comprehensive examination will be administered and evaluated by the advisory committee. This examination must be passed by the candidate before a degree will be given

Time Limit

The student must complete all requirements within an eight-year period (exclusive of the time spent in the United States Armed Forces).

Additional Information

For additional information about the Masters in Natural and Applied Science degree, please contact:

Dennis Schmitt, Program Director
Agriculture Department
College of Natural and Applied Sciences
Missouri State University
Springfield, Missouri 65897
Phone: (417)836-5091
Fax: (417)-836-6979