Master of Science in Biological Sciences

at University of Massachusetts Lowell USA

The Master of Science program in Security Studies prepares students for careers in the rapid expanding field of cyber security, as well as weapons of mass destruction (CBRNE) and how to address threats to our critical infrastructure.

Students in this area of concentration will develop a solid understanding of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives (CBRNE) security. Courses will exam the technical details of weapons and sensor technologies, nonproliferation regimes, the threat of states or terrorists acquiring and using weapons of mass destruction, and the local, state, federal and global efforts to confront this kind of threat.

Sociologists study many different subjects: race and ethnicity, social policy, gender and sexuality, family and kinship, the nature of industrial capitalism, the effect of technology on modern society and interpersonal relationships. These are just a few of the many areas sociologists are interested in understanding. What draws these different areas together is the emphasis on understanding social life, both in our own society and cross-culturally.

The sociology major offers students the opportunity to learn about our social world. Courses cover a wide range of fields. As part of their program, students are encouraged to work in the Lowell community. Many students complete corporate or agency internships in which they work within a field setting to gain needed job experience.

Department members value the search for meaningful social change. Students who are interested in working in human services, social work, personnel management, urban planning, elder services, communications, law, education, research, community activism or full-time academic work might consider a major in sociology.   

Policy and Social Problems Concentration
Students may choose a concentration in Policy and Social Problems, which provides a pathway for those who want to focus specifically on applying analytical tools of sociological thinking to social problems and their solutions.

The Bachelor of Science in Meteorology & Atmospheric Science is for students who wish to explore weather and the environment and fulfills the education requirements for federally employed meteorologists. The program guidelines follow those of the American Meteorological Society.

The Radiological Sciences Program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics (Radiological Health Physics option), a Master of Science degree in Radiological Sciences and Protection, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Physics (Radiological Sciences option) which are intended to address the various educational and career interests of our graduate applicants.

• The Project option,
• The Thesis option, and
• The Professional Science Master option

Our program is recognized nationally for producing graduates who make exceptional contributions to the radiological sciences community. Our graduates have established rewarding careers in the field of radiation protection, and can be found at national laboratories, nuclear power plants, universities, hospitals, government agencies, radioisotope production facilities, manufacturers of radiation detection equipment, radioactive waste disposal facilities, the military and other uniformed services, and other prestigious institutions and corporations across the country.

The introductory courses for majors provide the freshmen experience and create common bonds among students in Political Science. Core offerings on American Politics and Policy have been augmented by others on comparative policies of countries ranging from Eastern Europe to Southeast Asia to Southern Africa. The Department also offers specialized courses related to gender and citizenship, political economy, race and ethnicity, and public policy of interest to students in a variety of majors across the University.

In addition to traditional courses in political thought, recent course offerings have included work in state theory, feminist political theory, current theoretical conflicts in constitutional interpretation, and the politics of arts and culture.

Mathematics has long played an integral role in advances in science and technology. And in today’s high-tech, information-based economy, a background in mathematics is a highly valued commodity.

At UMass Lowell, students pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics develop valuable and transferable skills in critical thinking, quantitative analysis and problem solving — skills that are necessary for success in a broad range of fields.

Offered by UMass Lowell’s Department of Mathematical Sciences, this flexible program features a robust curriculum designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the science of mathematics. Topics covered include calculus, physics, discrete structures, applied statistics, propositional logic, methods of proof, relations and functions, applications to computer science and more.

A computer engineer must understand the fundamentals of general engineering and hardware design as well as essential low and high level programming. A computer engineer must have a fundamental understanding of digital signal processing VLSI filters, electronics, digital/advanced digital computer logic and architecture (at the hardware level) as well as the associated software. This defines the differences between a computer engineer, an electrical engineer, and a computer scientist. An electrical engineer will study math, physical science, and some hardware, while a computer engineer will focus more on hardware and software along with physical science and math, especially discrete math. The computer scientist concentrates more on software and discrete math than the computer engineer and less time to hardware and physical science. For example, both electrical and computer engineers require at least 20 credits of circuits and electronics (theory and laboratories). Computer engineers use their knowledge to create new devices and systems that satisfy perceived societal needs, including health and welfare, safety, environmental control, knowledge enhancement, etc.

The Master of Science serves several audiences, from the professional - with extensive industrial experience, to the recent graduate - aiming ultimately for an advanced research degree.

UMass Lowell’s computer science program offers theoretical grounding combined with an industry-influenced curriculum that sets our graduates apart. Alumni of the program work in companies like Amazon, Bloomberg, EMC, Facebook, Fidelity, Google, IBM, Microsoft, MITRE and Raytheon.

Graduates of the program work across industries, in large and small organizations. The Bioinformatics option graduates work primarily in the life sciences sector, improving people’s lives by making sense of the voluminous biological and health-care related data available today.

Master of Science in Environmental Studies (Environmental Engineering Sciences Concentration) with a thesis or a non-thesis track option.

Enrollment in the program is open to individuals with a baccalaureate degree in science (e.g., biology, chemistry, geology, physics). Others may be admitted with the approval of the graduate coordinator. Undergraduate course prerequisites must be satisfied. Students may make up course prerequisite deficiencies while in the program, although these credits will not count toward the total required for the master's degree. Frequently students entering the program are required to take additional undergraduate courses to develop analytical skills and to prepare for advanced level course work. Undergraduate courses may include calculus, statistics, chemistry, computer programming or courses designed to develop problem-solving skills.

The thesis track requires completion of an approved program of study involving a minimum of 24 credits of core courses and electives, and six credits of thesis, consisting of laboratory research or scholarly investigation for a total of 30 credits. Students may only register for thesis research with the prior approval of a thesis advisor. The thesis work is to be guided by a principal advisor who is a member of the University of Massachusetts Lowell faculty and by two additional committee members, at least one of whom must be a member of the faculty.

Students can take courses in the history of philosophy and philosophical movements; political, mathematical and scientific philosophies; metaphysics; linguistics and aesthetics. Students will learn how to analyze, reason, deduct and apply persuasive arguments in a disciplined and systematic way while developing their oral and written communication skills.

The department does not specify particular course work for the major, but recommends that the sequence of courses be designed in close consultation with the student’s faculty advisor. Students who plan to go to graduate school are strongly encouraged to take at least two courses from the History of Philosophy series. They should also consider a second major in a cognate field, e.g., American studies, English, French, history, mathematics, or political science.