Genes contain information allowing organisms to adapt to sundry environmental factors. Genetics programs attempt to impart an understanding of these processes through a focused examination of subjects such as genomes, biochemical studies and molecular biology.

Master-level studies involve specialized study in a field of research or an area of professional practice. Earning a master’s degree demonstrates a higher mastery of the subject. Earning a master’s degree can take anywhere from a year to three or four years. Before you can graduate, you usually must write and defend a thesis, a long paper that is the culmination of your specialized research.