Graduate Programs
Biology M.S.
The Department of Biological and Health Sciences offers a Master of Science degree in Biology. The program started in 1966 and since more than 180 graduate students received their M.S. degrees. We offer a variety of courses and research opportunities in Biomedical Science, Organismal Biology, Ecology, Evolution and Systematics. Our faculty are experts in a wide range of disciplines, such as Genetics and Epigenetics, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Neurobiology, Cell Biology, Cell and Animal Physiology, Nerve Regeneration, Infectious Diseases, Cancer Biology, Invertebrate Biology, Animal Behavior and Ichthyology, Ornithology, Herpetology, Mammalogy, Plant Biology and Systematics, Marine Ecology, Ecological Modeling and Global Change Biology.
There are three Master’s degrees options. The Plan I (Thesis Option) program is research-oriented and requires completion of a thesis. This program is for students who plan to pursue a Ph.D. or who want research experience. The Plan II (Project Option) program is content-oriented, and a shorter research problem is required. This program is for those needing more background in formal course work. The Plan III is a Courses‐Only Option. For additional information, contact the Graduate Coordinator Dr. Chang K. Sung (Chang.Sung@tamuk.edu) or Department Chair Dr. Richard Laughlin (richard.laughlin@tamuk.edu).
Health Sciences Postbaccalaureate Certificate (HSPC)
The Department will begin offering a 15 course-hour transcriptable certificate in Health Sciences. The coursework for the certificate will provide lecture and laboratory instruction in a variety of subject matter to train students for placement in front-line health care careers and professional schools. The program is coordinated by Dr. Maria Velez-Hernandez and Dr. Richard Laughlin. Initial funding for the program is provided by the Texas Board of Higher Education Accelerating Credentials of Purpose and Value Grant Program.
| Required Courses | Elective Courses |
|---|---|
| Biotechniques | Cell Biology |
| Biomedical Ethics | Medical A&P |
| Medical Biochemistry | |
| Medical Neurobiology | |
| Adv Pathophysiology | |
| Infectious Disease |
To apply for the HSPC, please apply via ApplyTexas through the TAMUK Biology graduate portal.
For questions about the program, please email pchs-tamuk@students.tamuk.edu.
Dietetic Internship (D.I.) Program
The Texas A&M University-Kingsville Dietetic Internship prepares entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists for careers in a variety of health care settings including hospitals, health care agencies, government, food industries, wellness, restaurants, schools and private practice. Dietitians assist individuals in choosing food for adequate nutrition in health and disease throughout the life cycle. The Texas A&M University-Kingsville Dietetic Internship, supervise the preparation of students in completing dietetic practicum to serve their nutrition-related community needs.
TAMUK offers accredited Dietetic Internship (DI) tracks to students to become professional Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RD/RDN):
- Ten-month non-degree Dietetic Internship, open only to graduates from accredited with Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) with DPD verification statement.
TAMUK’s Dietetic Internship program is currently accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), part of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), (800) 877-1600, ext 5400, https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend
Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master's degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Mission
The mission of Texas A&M University-Kingsville DI/MSHS is to develop graduates as entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists, well-rounded leaders, and critical thinkers who can provide nutrition education and medical nutrition therapy to solve nutrition-related health problems in an ethnically and culturally diverse community.
Program Goals
- To prepare high-quality Registered Dietitian Nutritionists for employment in entry-level positions.
- To prepare entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who will develop and implement nutrition education interventions to enhance the health and wellness of individuals and the community.
Program outcomes data is available upon request.
DI Application ProcessEstimated Costs of Internship Program TAMUK DI Policy and Procedure Manual Dietetic Internship Information
Career Opportunities
Students have great flexibility in their course of study and are encouraged to structure their program to t their chosen career paths. Many of our students use their master’s degree as a stepping stone to medical school, dentistry, pharmacy school, and Ph.D. programs, as well as other advanced health professions. Students who complete the MS in Biology program often go into academia for Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D. Program, positions in biotechnology, biomedical industries, healthcare, and forensic science, careers in forestry and environmental conservation and biology education.