Biological Sciences

Ellensburg
Science 338

509-963-2731
Fax 509-963-2730
http://www.cwu.edu/~biology
Please see the Web site for how this major could be used for educational and career purposes.

Graduate Faculty
Chair
Paul W. James

Professors
Daniel D. Beck, physiological ecology and herpetology
David M. Darda, evolutionary vertebrate morphology, herpetology
Kristina A. Ernest, terrestrial and community ecology
Paul W. James, aquatic ecology and fisheries biology
Lixing Sun, behavioral ecology and evolution

Associate Professors
Tom R. Cottrell, plant ecology
Holly C. Pinkart, microbiology
Mary Poulson, plant physiology
Linda A. Raubeson, evolutionary biology and genetics

Assistant Professors
Lucinda Carnell, Ph.D., molecular behavioral genetics
Jason T. Irwin, animal physiology
James E. Johnson, mycology, systematics
Ian J. Quitadamo, science education, biotechnology
Daniel J. Selski, Ph.D., developmental neurobiology
R. Steven Wagner, conservation genetics, herpetological sciences

Staff
Mary Bottcher, science instructional technician
Darlene Boykiw, office assistant
Lee Longmore, engineering technician
Alex Mandujano, science instructional technician
Kariann Taylor, secretary lead
Jeff Wilcox, engineering technician

Department Information

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 M.S. degree. Students considering further graduate study should work closely with their major advisor to design a program of coursework that meets the requirements for Ph.D. 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, Research and Continuing Education, and then the specific requirements of the biological sciences department, which are:

An undergraduate degree in biology or closely related field. Deficiencies in the student’s undergraduate training as determined by the biological sciences department 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.
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 biological sciences department to serve as their major advisor.

Program Requirements
The coursework leading to the Master of Science in Biology 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.