Non-Thesis
Biology offers a primarily coursework degree, known as the Non-Thesis Track Masters of Science Biology Degree, designed for students seeking additional exposure and training in sub-disciplines of Biology without the emphasis placed on original research required by the Thesis Track degree.
Thesis
Students selecting the Thesis track will demonstrate literacy in research, scientific writing, and oral
communication by successfully completing 14 hours of core course requirements targeted at these
goals. Additionally, students must submit a thesis based on an original, scientific investigation
conducted under supervision of the student’s thesis committee chair and committee members. This
research will refer specifically to that performed in connection with BIOL 5990. The graduate
committee must approve the thesis prior to submission to the College of Graduate Studies. Students
must demonstrate mastery of scientific and biological concepts by successfully completing 18 hours
of elective courses, presenting and defending their thesis research in a public seminar, and passing
an oral thesis defense exam administered by the thesis committee. All candidates must maintain a
minimum scholastic average of “B” (3.0) on all graduate courses completed.
With approval of the thesis research mentor, students will develop a plan of study that outlines
coursework and identifies two additional Biology Graduate Faculty to serve on the thesis committee
by the end of their first semester. The committee will advise the student in research activities
throughout their degree and administer the oral thesis defense upon approval of the thesis by the
thesis committee chair.
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