Degree Requirements
The Department of Biology offers a Master of Science Degree that can be tailored to meet the needs of the student. Choices include a Thesis Option and a Non-thesis Option. The programs are designed to accommodate both full-time and part-time students.
Curriculum
Thesis Option (30 semester hours)
I. Required Core (9 semester hours
BIO 608 (3)
BIO 609 (3) (Students cannot enroll in BIO 609 unless they have (1) obtained a letter
grade for BIO 608, and (2) been admitted to degree candidacy.)
BIO 610 (3)
II. Research methods core (6 semester hours)
Select two from BIO 511, 513, 514, 515
III. Concentration courses (6 semester hours)
Select two courses from BIO 535, 536, 537, 590
BIO 535/536/537 (topics courses) may be repeated for credit as long as the topic is
different.
IV. Electives (9 semester hours)
Any course listed in II or III above
Any other 500-level biology course
Up to 6 semester hours of 400-level courses, where no 500-level component is available
Up to 6 semester hours of graduate course work from another department or university,
but only with prior departmental approval
Nonthesis Option (36 semester hours)
I. Required Core (24 semester hours)
BIO 511 (3)
Three research techniques courses: BIO 513, 514, 515 (9)
Three different course topics areas: BIO 535, 536, 537 (9)
BIO 591 (3)
II. Electives (12 semester hours)
See general information for details and restrictions.
To complete BIO 591 successfully, the student must present the results of the project
in an open seminar. In addition, during or immediately after the final semester of
course work in the nonthesis program, the student must pass a written comprehensive
examination prepared by the student's advisory committee. Students who fail this examination
will not receive their degree.
General Information and Restrictions on Electives
With the prior consent of his or her advising committee, a thesis student may take
a maximum of six semester hours at the graduate level in allied disciplines, and a
maximum of six biology semester hours at the 400 level. A nonthesis student may take
a maximum of nine semester hours at the graduate level in allied disciplines, and
a maximum of six biology semester hours at the 400 level. All 400-level courses must
be among those listed as acceptable for graduate students in the Graduate Catalog.
With the consent of his or her advising committee, any student also may transfer in
six semester hours of graduate-level work from another university.
BIO 593 may not be counted towards the 30 semester hours required for graduation in
the thesis option.
BIO 608, 609, and 610 may not be counted towards the 36 semester hours required for
graduation in the nonthesis option.