Biology, MS

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 School 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.

Admission Requirements
Admission is a two-step process. Applicants must first meet the general requirements for graduate program acceptance as determined by the School of Graduate Studies and Research and then the specific requirements of the Department of Biological Sciences which are:

1. An undergraduate degree in biology or closely related field.
2. Students must arrange for a graduate faculty advisor in the Department of Biological Sciences to serve as their major advisor.

Graduation Requirements
Students found to have deficiencies in their undergraduate coursework as determined by the Department of Biological Sciences at the time of admission to the program must be completed during the first year of graduate study.

Examination and Thesis Requirements

1. Candidates must pass an oral examination with their graduate committee covering topics in the area of specialization and coursework taken for degree completion at least one quarter prior to graduation.
2. A written thesis must be completed and submitted to the graduate committee and the School of Graduate Studies and Research.
3. The final examination will consist of a public seminar to present the results of the thesis as well as an oral exam administered by the student’s thesis committee covering aspects of the thesis research.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• design a program of study to enhance their knowledge in their chosen area of specialization and to bolster areas deemed deficient in their undergraduate education;
• formulate an area of interest within biology and demonstrate historic and current knowledge of that area;
• design a research project, which will serve as the basis of the thesis; and
• defend and support the results of their graduate research in the form of a professional level thesis.