M.S. Biology - Dine College -
Source: https://www.dinecollege.edu/academics/m-s-biology
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:16
M.S. Biology - Dine College -
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Diné College
MS Biology
The MS Biology program is a two-year, thesis research-based Master’s Degree.
MS Biology Brochure
MS Biology Graduate Handbook
Master of Science in Biology
PROGRAM MISSION
The Master of Science in Biology degree at Diné College is a classic program of thesis research and advanced courses focusing on one of a wide range of disciplines, including molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological levels of biology. It is designed to promote enhanced knowledge and appreciation of a student’s research discipline, the student’s life and life on earth, and training that will enable students to succeed in our program, develop a career path, continue their graduate studies, obtain employment and promotion in the workforce, and serve the Navajo Nation.
PROGRAM GOALS
1. Students will take the core advanced discipline courses for biology to prepare them for a variety of relevant careers, or for further graduate work in biology or related areas.
2. Students will be able to integrate traditional Diné cultural knowledge with the western biological knowledge to improve their level of understanding, and its impact on their communities.
3. Students will understand the importance of graduate work, research, and leadership, relevant to their advancement in the field of biology and knowledge in general.
4. Students will familiarize themselves with the biologically-related problems on the Navajo Nation as it relates to their community, and how they can contribute to resolving these issues through their graduate studies and research.
PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
Elucidate the major theories, research methods, approaches to inquiry and schools of practice in their biological discipline illustrating both the applications and relationships to other life sciences and biological disciplines.
Interpret western knowledge and research findings, both in general and in relation to the student’s research area, from the standpoints of Navajo cultural perspectives.
Identify, select, apply and defend the choice of experimental design, mathematical or statistical methods or models appropriate to research questions.
Perform empirical or experimental work independently, as well as collect, describe, analyze, and critically evaluate the experimental data.
Document all research procedures, observations, and results of scientific investigations.
Present and defend an original scientific project with the purpose of generating new knowledge.
Draw meaningful conclusions from research findings, from both western and Navajo perspectives.
Communicate biological knowledge, including results of research undertakings, and the rationale underpinning their conclusions, to specialist and non-specialist audiences, clearly and unambiguously.
PROGRAM MATRIX
Program Outcomes for MS in Biology Majors
BIO 501
Experimental design & statistical analysis
NAS 513 Indigenous Research Methods
BIO 500-604
Special topics electives
BIO 698
Graduate lab seminar
BIO 699
Thesis Research
Nitsáhákees – biological knowledge
Outcome #1 Elucidate the major theories, research methods, approaches to inquiry and schools of practice in their biological discipline illustrating both the applications and relationships to other life sciences and biological disciplines.
Artifact – Exit survey indicating what was learned in these four courses. A
Outcome #2 Interpret western knowledge and research findings, both in general and in relation to the student’s research area, from the standpoints of Navajo cultural perspectives.
Artifact – Diné cultural knowledge relationships documented in the Thesis. A
(this was previously under Thesis Research)
Nahat’a – planning, modes of inquiry
Outcome #3 Identify, select, apply and defend the choice of experimental design, mathematical or statistical methods or models appropriate to research questions.
Artifact – Methods Chapter of Thesis. A
Iiná – application of biological knowledge and inquiry
Outcome #4 Perform empirical or experimental work independently, as well as collect, describe, analyze, and critically evaluate the experimental data.
Artifact – Results Chapter of Thesis. A
Outcome #5 Document all research procedures, observations, and results of scientific investigations.
Artifact – For BIO 503: written section of a grant proposal the student has written. A
For NAS 513: use IRB document student does. A
Siihásin – evolution of knowledge and inquiry
Outcome #6 Present and defend an original scientific project with the purpose of generating new knowledge.
Artifact – Thesis
proposal
defense
presentation to lab group or during department seminar. R
Outcome #7 Draw meaningful conclusions from research findings, from both western and Navajo perspectives.
Artifact – Diné cultural knowledge relationships documented in the Thesis. A
Outcome #8 Communicate biological knowledge, including results of research undertakings, and the rationale underpinning their conclusions, to specialist and non-specialist audiences, clearly and unambiguously.
Artifact – Thesis defense, Journal article, Conference presentation or proceedings paper. M
Note: Courses are rated for the PSLOs as
Introduced, Reinforced, Mastered, or Assessed
as I, R, M, or A, respectively.
2025 – 2026 Checklist
Master of Science
Biology (32–36 credits)
Program Requirements
Semester
Course No & Title
Credits
Transfer
Grade
Semester I
(8–9 hrs)
BIO 501 Design of Experiments & Analysis of Data
3.0
BIO 698 Lab Seminar
2.0–3.0
Elective (500–699 course)
3.0
Additional requirements, if any, as determined by student’s graduate committee.
Semester II
(8–9 hrs)
NAS 513 Indigenous Research Methodology
3.0
BIO 698 Lab Seminar
2.0–3.0
Elective (500–699 course)
3.0
Additional requirements, if any, as determined by student’s graduate committee.
Semester III
(8–9 hrs)
BIO 699 Thesis Research
3.0
BIO 698 Lab Seminar
2.0–3.0
Elective (500–699 course)
3.0
Additional requirements, if any, as determined by student’s graduate committee.
Semester IV
(8–9 hrs)
BIO 699 Thesis Research
3.0
BIO 698 Lab Seminar
2.0–3.0
Elective (500–699 course)
3.0
Additional requirements, if any, as determined by student’s graduate committee.
Program Credits:
32–36 hrs
Must pass all courses with “C” grade or higher
DEAN'S OFFICE
Dr. Shazia Tabassum Hakim, Ph.D., SCCM (MLS)
CCM
Acting Dean, School of STEM
Tuba City Campus
Phone: (928) 283-5113 ext. 07520
Research Labs: 7538, 7539
Email:
stabassum@dinecollege.edu
Selina Yazzie
Administrative Assistant
Tsaile Campus
Phone: 928-724-6731
Email:
syazzie@dinecollege.edu
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Sign in
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Sign up
Sign up
Already have an account?
Sign in
Skip to content
About DC
About Diné College
Educational Philosophy
History
Locations
Research
Research Innovation and Practice
Convoy
NARCH
NSF-TCUP
Summer Research Enhancement Program (SREP)
Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program (ISEP)
Undergraduate Student Internship Program
Institutes
Diné Policy Institute (DPI)
Institutes and Grant Programs
Institutional Planning and Reporting
Navajo Language Immersion Institute
Accreditation
Board of Regents
Office of the President
Athletics
Go Warriors
About Athletics
Join Athletics
Fitness Center
Archery
Cross Country
Rodeo
Land Grant Office (LGO)
Land Grant Office (LGO)
Agriculture
Youth Development
Pasture to Plate Expo
Marketing and Communications
Marketing & Communications
Alumni
Meet the Marketing Team
The Higher Education Opportunity Act
Student Consumer Information
Commencement
Academics
Academic Calendar
Our Schools
School of Arts and Humanities
School of Business and Social Science
School of Diné Studies and Education
School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
School of Transformation
T’áá hó ‘ájí t’éego
Innovation Hub
Dual Credit Program
Student & Family
New Students
Continuing Students
Instructors & Administrators
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Contact
General Education Core
Academic Affairs
Academic Assessment and Accreditation
Academic Assessment and Accreditation
Academic Accreditation
Academic Assessment
Academic Policies
Diné College Placement Rate Methodology
Adult Education Program
Student Consumer Information
Library
Admissions
Admission Information
Admissions FAQs
International Students
Transfer Students
Course Catalog
Course Schedule
Fees
Fees
Tuition
Refund Schedule
Fall and Spring Semesters
Summer Sessions
Financial Aid
Financial Aid and Scholarship
Aid and Scholarship
SAP Policy
Financial Aid Contact
Residence Life
Registration Information
Student Right to Know Act
Placement Assessments
Summer Institute Program
Current Students
ASDC
Student Mental Health Support
Advisement
Student Code of Conduct [pdf]
Student Complaint Process
Student Activites
Campus Safety
Campus Safety
Campus Safety Statistics
Learning Center
Academic Recognition
Transcript Requests
Career Education Program
IT Services
IT-Help
Information Technology
Office 365
MyDC Portal
Security Awareness Portal
Contact us
IT-Help
Support DC
Locations
Career
MyDC Portal
Diné College
MS Biology
The MS Biology program is a two-year, thesis research-based Master’s Degree.
MS Biology Brochure
MS Biology Graduate Handbook
Master of Science in Biology
PROGRAM MISSION
The Master of Science in Biology degree at Diné College is a classic program of thesis research and advanced courses focusing on one of a wide range of disciplines, including molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological levels of biology. It is designed to promote enhanced knowledge and appreciation of a student’s research discipline, the student’s life and life on earth, and training that will enable students to succeed in our program, develop a career path, continue their graduate studies, obtain employment and promotion in the workforce, and serve the Navajo Nation.
PROGRAM GOALS
1. Students will take the core advanced discipline courses for biology to prepare them for a variety of relevant careers, or for further graduate work in biology or related areas.
2. Students will be able to integrate traditional Diné cultural knowledge with the western biological knowledge to improve their level of understanding, and its impact on their communities.
3. Students will understand the importance of graduate work, research, and leadership, relevant to their advancement in the field of biology and knowledge in general.
4. Students will familiarize themselves with the biologically-related problems on the Navajo Nation as it relates to their community, and how they can contribute to resolving these issues through their graduate studies and research.
PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
Elucidate the major theories, research methods, approaches to inquiry and schools of practice in their biological discipline illustrating both the applications and relationships to other life sciences and biological disciplines.
Interpret western knowledge and research findings, both in general and in relation to the student’s research area, from the standpoints of Navajo cultural perspectives.
Identify, select, apply and defend the choice of experimental design, mathematical or statistical methods or models appropriate to research questions.
Perform empirical or experimental work independently, as well as collect, describe, analyze, and critically evaluate the experimental data.
Document all research procedures, observations, and results of scientific investigations.
Present and defend an original scientific project with the purpose of generating new knowledge.
Draw meaningful conclusions from research findings, from both western and Navajo perspectives.
Communicate biological knowledge, including results of research undertakings, and the rationale underpinning their conclusions, to specialist and non-specialist audiences, clearly and unambiguously.
PROGRAM MATRIX
Program Outcomes for MS in Biology Majors
BIO 501
Experimental design & statistical analysis
NAS 513 Indigenous Research Methods
BIO 500-604
Special topics electives
BIO 698
Graduate lab seminar
BIO 699
Thesis Research
Nitsáhákees – biological knowledge
Outcome #1 Elucidate the major theories, research methods, approaches to inquiry and schools of practice in their biological discipline illustrating both the applications and relationships to other life sciences and biological disciplines.
Artifact – Exit survey indicating what was learned in these four courses. A
Outcome #2 Interpret western knowledge and research findings, both in general and in relation to the student’s research area, from the standpoints of Navajo cultural perspectives.
Artifact – Diné cultural knowledge relationships documented in the Thesis. A
(this was previously under Thesis Research)
Nahat’a – planning, modes of inquiry
Outcome #3 Identify, select, apply and defend the choice of experimental design, mathematical or statistical methods or models appropriate to research questions.
Artifact – Methods Chapter of Thesis. A
Iiná – application of biological knowledge and inquiry
Outcome #4 Perform empirical or experimental work independently, as well as collect, describe, analyze, and critically evaluate the experimental data.
Artifact – Results Chapter of Thesis. A
Outcome #5 Document all research procedures, observations, and results of scientific investigations.
Artifact – For BIO 503: written section of a grant proposal the student has written. A
For NAS 513: use IRB document student does. A
Siihásin – evolution of knowledge and inquiry
Outcome #6 Present and defend an original scientific project with the purpose of generating new knowledge.
Artifact – Thesis
proposal
defense
presentation to lab group or during department seminar. R
Outcome #7 Draw meaningful conclusions from research findings, from both western and Navajo perspectives.
Artifact – Diné cultural knowledge relationships documented in the Thesis. A
Outcome #8 Communicate biological knowledge, including results of research undertakings, and the rationale underpinning their conclusions, to specialist and non-specialist audiences, clearly and unambiguously.
Artifact – Thesis defense, Journal article, Conference presentation or proceedings paper. M
Note: Courses are rated for the PSLOs as
Introduced, Reinforced, Mastered, or Assessed
as I, R, M, or A, respectively.
2025 – 2026 Checklist
Master of Science
Biology (32–36 credits)
Program Requirements
Semester
Course No & Title
Credits
Transfer
Grade
Semester I
(8–9 hrs)
BIO 501 Design of Experiments & Analysis of Data
3.0
BIO 698 Lab Seminar
2.0–3.0
Elective (500–699 course)
3.0
Additional requirements, if any, as determined by student’s graduate committee.
Semester II
(8–9 hrs)
NAS 513 Indigenous Research Methodology
3.0
BIO 698 Lab Seminar
2.0–3.0
Elective (500–699 course)
3.0
Additional requirements, if any, as determined by student’s graduate committee.
Semester III
(8–9 hrs)
BIO 699 Thesis Research
3.0
BIO 698 Lab Seminar
2.0–3.0
Elective (500–699 course)
3.0
Additional requirements, if any, as determined by student’s graduate committee.
Semester IV
(8–9 hrs)
BIO 699 Thesis Research
3.0
BIO 698 Lab Seminar
2.0–3.0
Elective (500–699 course)
3.0
Additional requirements, if any, as determined by student’s graduate committee.
Program Credits:
32–36 hrs
Must pass all courses with “C” grade or higher
DEAN'S OFFICE
Dr. Shazia Tabassum Hakim, Ph.D., SCCM (MLS)
CCM
Acting Dean, School of STEM
Tuba City Campus
Phone: (928) 283-5113 ext. 07520
Research Labs: 7538, 7539
Email:
stabassum@dinecollege.edu
Selina Yazzie
Administrative Assistant
Tsaile Campus
Phone: 928-724-6731
Email:
syazzie@dinecollege.edu
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