Biology Graduate Program

Emphases (thesis plan):

• Applied Ecology
• Botany
• Cell, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
• Microbiology
• Zoology

Specific requirements for degree of Master of Science in Biology:

Preliminary Examination

We will assess your writing skills and knowledge of general biology prior to or during your first month of enrollment.

Required Courses

You are required to take 24 credits under the thesis plan or 32 credits under the nonthesis plan. These credits must be in biology or a related field and must include these core courses:

• BIOL 513: Conservation Biology
• BIOL 528: Biotechnology
• BIOL 562: Evolution
• BIOL 582: Biological Literature
• BIOL 592: Graduate Seminar

A minimum of 50 percent of the degree plan will be composed of graduate-only courses (not 400/500).

Knowledge of Statistics

You must demonstrate a knowledge of statistics by taking statistics classes or equivalent academic training. Statistics courses needed to fill this requirement:

• STAT 500: Statistical Analysis I
• STAT 513: Statistical Analysis II

Knowledge of Research Methods

Required courses:

• BIOL 599: Master's Thesis (thesis plan only)
• BIOL 579: Individual Research (nonthesis plan only)

Knowledge of Education (Nonthesis plan only)

You must take two graduate courses (six credits minumum) from the College of Education and Technology. These courses must be chosen with consultation and approved from your graduate committee.

Written Final Comprehensive Examination

A comprehensive examination is used to assess your knowledge in your area of emphasis. This examination will be taken in your final semester of enrollment.

View the graduate biology degree plan.