Biological Sciences Department

College of the Sciences
Ellensburg
Science Building, room 338

509-963-2731
Fax: 509-963-2730
www.cwu.edu/biology
See website for how this program may be used for educational and career purposes.

Faculty and Staff
Chair
Tom R. Cottrell, PhD

Professors
Daniel D. Beck, PhD, physiological ecology and herpetology
David M. Darda, PhD, evolutionary vertebrate morphology, herpetology
Kristina A. Ernest, PhD, terrestrial and community ecology
Paul W. James, PhD, ecology and fisheries biology
Sheldon R. Johnson, PhD, zoophysiology, mammalogy (emeritus)
Robert E. Pacha, PhD, microbiology (emeritus)
Holly C. Pinkart, PhD, microbiology, microbial ecology
Wayne S. Quirk, PhD, sensation and perception, neuroscience
Linda A. Raubeson, PhD, evolutionary biology and genetics
Stamford D. Smith, PhD, entomology (emeritus,)
Lixing Sun, PhD, behavioral ecology and evolution

Associate Professors
Lucinda Carnell, PhD, molecular behavioral genetics
Tom R. Cottrell, PhD, plant ecology
Jason T. Irwin, PhD, animal physiology
James E. Johnson, PhD, mycology, systematics
Mary E. Poulson, PhD, plant physiology
Ian J. Quitadamo, PhD, science education, cell and molecular biology
R. Steven Wagner, PhD, conservation genetics and herpetological science

Assistant Professors
Jennifer Dechaine, PhD, plant biology
Blaise Dondji, PhD, human physiology, microbiology, parasitology, immunology
Alison Scoville, PhD, ecological and evolutionary genomics
Daniel J. Selski, PhD, developmental neurobiology
Gabrielle Stryker, PhD, microbiology, immunology and parasitology

Lecturers
Clay Arango, PhD, stream ecology and nitrogen biogeochemistry
Lucy Bottcher, PhD, ecologist, herpetologist
Raymon Donahue, PhD, senior lecturer in biology

Staff
Emil Babik, engineering technician
Jonathan Betz, instructional classroom support technician
Mary Bottcher, instructional classroom support technician supervisor
Eric Foss, instructional classroom support technician
Kariann Linnell, secretary supervisor
Jeff Wilcox, engineering technician

Program Description
The graduate program in biology is designed to provide training and expertise for those needing a terminal degree for entry-level biological science positions in state, federal, and tribal agencies, as well as for positions in private industry or teaching at the secondary or community college level. It serves other students by providing them with the skills and techniques required for further graduate study beyond the MS degree. Students considering further graduate study should work closely with their major advisor to design a program of coursework that meets the requirements for PhD programs. Graduate students in biology may tailor their program to emphasize a specific discipline within the biological sciences.

Admission
Admission is a two-step process. Applicants must first meet the general requirements for graduate study as determined by the Office of Graduate Studies and Research, and then the specific requirements of the Department of Biological Sciences. Items needed to enroll:

An undergraduate degree in biology or closely related field. Deficiencies in the student’s undergraduate training as determined by the Department of Biological Sciences at the time of admission to the program must be removed without graduate credit during the first year of graduate study.
Students must submit GRE scores for the general test. Students applying to the masters in biology with a specialization in biomedical sciences may substitute MCAT scores for GRE scores.
International students for whom English is a second language must provide TOEFL scores to demonstrate English proficiency.
Students must arrange for a graduate faculty advisor in the Department of Biological Sciences to serve as their major advisor.

Master in Biology

Program Coordinator
Kristina Ernest, PhD
Science Building, room 326E

Program Requirements
The coursework leading to the master of science in biological sciences will total at least 45 credits in the biological sciences and related subjects as outlined in an approved course of study filed with the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. The individual’s program of coursework and thesis problem will be developed in consultation with the student’s major advisor and other members of the student’s graduate committee. Two quarters in residence are required.

Examinations
Candidates must pass an oral examination covering topics in their area of specialization and coursework taken for their degree at least one quarter prior to graduation. The final examination will consist of a public seminar to present the results of the thesis or project research as well as an oral exam administered by the student’s thesis committee covering aspects of the thesis research.

Specialization in Biomedical Sciences

Program Coordinator
James E. Johnson, PhD
Science Building, room 338J

The Central Washington University master of sciences in biology with a specialization in biomedical sciences degree program is a professional as well as pre-professional course of study designed for students seeking careers in biomedical research or to help students become stronger applicants to medical school or other professional programs. Students who have already completed their course requirements or admission to the medical school can strengthen their candidacy by demonstrating their performance in some of the same courses taken by first-year medical students at the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Program and broadening their background as scientists by conducting an original research project with faculty at CWU while earning a master of science degree in biology.

Preferred admission to the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Program will be granted to students who:

Successfully complete the MS in biology-specialization in biomedical sciences with a B average or higher
Have a minimum MCAT score of 22
Are approved by the admissions interview committee at PNWU.

Financial Obligations
Because this is a self-support program, no tuition waiver programs apply, and additional continuing education tuition applies.

Programs

Master of Science

Biology with Specialization in Biomedical Sciences, MS