Master of Science Life Sciences
90 credits
The Masters of Life Sciences degree is a three-year, research-intensive degree path for students interested in developing their research skills with a basis in cellular chemistry, biochemistry and genetics. During the three-year degree path, students will advance the knowledge base of Life Sciences through advanced, core classes, learn novel techniques to apply in the lab with state-of-the-art equipment and computational programs, and participate in academic teaching. Coursework will include exploration of indigenous research methodologies and the unique perspectives and policies for research on reservations. Upon graduation, Masters of Life Sciences students will have a research publication in a peer-reviewed journal and a thesis document for publication in the Salish Kootenai College Library. Graduates of the Master’s program will have skills translatable for Life Sciences positions in STEM academia, the science industry and a culturally relevant science background for research positions on the reservation. Graduates will also be equipped to enter competitive Ph.D. programs.
Admission Requirements & Selection Criteria
Application Process and Instructions
Interested applicants must complete Part 1 and Part 2 listed below:
Part 1-General SKC Graduate Admissions materials
- SKC Graduate Admissions Application;
- Official transcript from high school or GED or HiSET (must include diploma date);
- Official transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended (including degree and
award date as appropriate);
- Proof of Immunization. a) Two doses of the measles vaccine. A healthcare provider’s signature is required to verify immunizations. b) Completion of the TB Screening Form.
- Verification of Residency, if a Montana Resident
- Tribal Certification Release form. This is required for tribal enrolled, and first- or second-generation descendants of a federally recognized tribe.
Part 2-Master of Science in Life Sciences Admissions materials
Please send these materials to: Katrina Holmes, Graduate Student Admissions,Salish Kootenai College, PO Box 70, Pablo, MT 59855
- Two-page typewritten statement of the applicants’ preparation for graduate studies to include: A personal statement, identified mentor for research, research in as much detail as possible referencing talking points from selected mentor, career or Ph.D. goals after graduation and a wider impact statement for how your research and goals will impact the CSKT and wider scientific communities.
- Three letters of recommendation from people who are in a position to make relevant
comments on the applicants’ intent and potential for success in the M.S. program. Only one of the letters may come from an SKC employee. Ideal recommendations will come from faculty and mentors from previous research experience both at and outside of SKC.
- Resume/Curricula Vitae. This should include any and all past work, academic
experience, research experience, publications, poster and oral presentations at scientific conferences.
- Formal interview with the Department of Masters of Science Life Sciences Graduate Committee.
The selection committee will review complete applications for the following:
- A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 (“B”) in all courses used for credit in the major.
- Completion of an undergraduate Bachelors of Sciences degree major in Life Sciences-related associated fields (e.g., life sciences, microbiology, molecular biology, etc. with key courses to include physics, organic chemistry, upper-level genetics, upper-level biochemistry and some minimum coursework in cellular and molecular biology).
- 3.0 GPA in key courses (physics, organic chemistry, upper-level genetics, upper-level biochemistry and minimum cellular and molecular biology coursework). Students lacking some of these courses, or with lower than a 3.0 in key coursework may be admitted to the program but must make up for the deficiency in their first year. Students will not be permitted to enroll in graduate-level classes without the appropriate prerequisite course. Graduate-level courses may have additional individual prerequisites.
- Professionalism and quality of writing in submitted materials
- Fit for the program
- Level of research experience
- Level of professional experience in research presentations (oral and/or poster)
- Quality of the letters of recommendation
Following review of students' transcripts, students will meet with an advisor to determine their admission status. Please see the Program Procedures Handbook.
Curriculum
Fall First Year
Winter First Year
Spring First Year
| LFSC545 | Research on the Reservation | 1 |
| LFSC546 | Metabolomics and Systems Biology | 5 |
| LFSC572 | Life Sciences Computation and Instrumentation | 5 |
| LFSC595 1 Credit | Master's Thesis Research | 1 |
| NRMG 512 | Indigenous Research Methodologies | 3 |
| NRMG514 | Graduate Research Methodologies | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Fall Second Year
Winter Second Year
Spring Second Year
Fall Third Year
Winter Third Year