Requirements for MS Degree for All Students

Students planning to pursue a Ph.D. are encouraged to follow the thesis option. However, a non-thesis curriculum is available for those students who so elect. The non-thesis degree allows students to further their academic credentials to prepare themselves for professional careers in healthcare, government, and private enterprise.

Together with the student's advisory committee, a curriculum will be developed that best aligns with the student's professional goals. If, in the opinion of a student's committee, the student lacks adequate undergraduate preparation or English skills, the student will be required to make up such deficiencies.

All requirements must be met in five years. In addition to satisfying the general requirements of the Graduate School, candidates for the Master of Science degree in Biology must satisfy the following requirements:

Non-thesis Degree Requirements

• Complete, with a minimum grade of "B", 30 hours of coursework at the 500 level. No course at the 400 level or below may be taken for graduate credit. A maximum of six credit hours may be granted for Directed Studies (BLY 594).
• A thesis is not required. Consequently, BLY 599 (Thesis) may not be taken, and the six semester hours normally associated with thesis research must be earned through formal coursework.
• Complete at least 18 hours of graduate coursework with the “BLY” designation, excluding BLY 594. Additional career-relevant graduate courses may be selected from other departments, upon approval of the Graduate Coordinator or Departmental Chair. Included in the 18 hours of formal coursework, students will complete the following core sequence:

• Students will satisfy the comprehensive exam requirement by achieving a minimum of "B" in all core courses.
• Transition between “thesis” and “non-thesis” options requires the majority consent of the student’s advisory committee.