A committee chair should be chosen by the end of the first semester and will assume advisory duties for the remainder of the program. The Master of Science in Biology requires 36 hours of approved graduate course work. Students generally complete a minimum of 24 hours in biology in addition to supporting course work for a total of 36 hours. At least two thirds of the courses must be numbered 5000 of above. Students taking these courses will be expected to complete course requirements different from those required of undergraduates.
Original research is required if the thesis option is chosen.
The student must prepare a thesis proposal that describes the thesis research for approval by the advisory committee and the College of Graduate Studies. Both the proposal and thesis must be written according to the guidelines established by the College of Graduate Studies. A comprehensive oral examination on course work and completion and successful defense of an acceptable thesis will conclude the program. Students who pursue a thesis are required to enroll each semester for thesis until the research is completed. If the non-thesis option is chosen, a comprehensive written and oral exam on course work will conclude the program.