Biology Master's Degree Requirements

Program | Faculty | Master's | Doctoral | Courses

For Students Entering with a Bachelor's Degree as their Highest Degree, the Following Requirements Must Be Met:

Requirements Common to Both the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees

1. All students entering the graduate program are expected to form a guidance committee during their first semester. This committee will help to plan the student's coursework and other requirements.

2. Teaching is regarded as an important part of graduate training, and all students are required to teach half-time for a minimum of two semesters, unless equivalent experience has been obtained previously.

3. A foreign language may be required. The requirement is at the option of the student's guidance committee, which determines the level and form in which any requirement may be met.

Requirements for the M.S.

1. All requirements under Requirements Common to M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees, above.

2. EITHER:

a. Acceptance of a thesis containing original research (Biol 699, 10 credits); 20 graduate credits, at least 6 of which must be earned in the 600-800 series (excluding special problems, independent studies, and thesis courses).

b. A program of original research under one supervisor but without the preparation of a thesis. This program will consist of 9 credits of Biol 696 Special Problems. In addition, 21 graduate credits must be tak-en, at least 12 of which must be earned in the 600-800 series (excluding special problems, independent studies, and thesis courses).

A more detailed account of the requirements for the advanced degrees, and a timetable (regarded as a standard for "reasonable and satisfactory progress") are given in a departmental booklet. This, together with the above and the Graduate School rules, delineates the requirements for the degrees.