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The mission of the School of Biological Sciences at the 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í is to enable students to understand the real-world relevance of the biological sciences, foster scientific literacy and critical thinking skills, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning and meaningful, productive contributions to society. 

The mission of the Master of Science in Biological Sciences program is to prepare outstanding graduate students for careers or further training in science, technology, and education by providing an advanced knowledge base and a working knowledge of research methods in the biological sciences. 

The Biological Sciences 4+1 program offers advanced classroom training and research experience to students interested in a wide variety of biological topics, including ecology, molecular biology, microbiology, and physiology. Students will conduct research and prepare a thesis under the mentorship of a faculty member. This degree requires a total of thirty-six (36) credits beyond the Bachelor of Science with a major in Biological Sciences major. This includes a minimum of twenty-six (26) thesis/research credits (BIO 590), one (1) credit of Graduate Seminar in Biological Sciences (BIO 510), three (3) credits of Research Methods (BIO 503), and six (6) additional course credits at the five-hundred (500)-level. A maximum of twelve (12) course credits at the five-hundred (500)-graduate level can double count towards both the undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. 

Program Goals

• Provide a knowledge base in the biological sciences that is deeper than the typical undergraduate experience
• Instill outstanding research skills and a working knowledge of the scientific method by participating in high-quality research
• Develop scientific communication skills through writing and oral presentations

Satisfactory academic progress

To remain in the 4+1 program in Biological Sciences, a student’s cumulative graduate GPA must be a minimum of 3.0. A student whose GPA falls below 3.0 or who receives a grade below B- in any course taken for graduate credit will be placed on academic probation.

Program completion timeline

Students have a maximum of five (5) years to complete the graduation requirements for both the undergraduate and M.S. degrees. After two (2) academic years (fall and spring terms), students who have completed their coursework but are still completing their theses are required to enroll in a minimum of one (1) Thesis Writing/Data Analysis credit hour (BIO 595) per semester to remain in the program and the student needs to demonstrate satisfactory progress towards their degree completion. In such a case, the student should contact Student Financial Services to determine whether this change from full-time status affects their financial aid.

Probation/Dismissal

A 4+1 student whose GPA for any semester falls below 3.0, or whose cumulative GPA is below 3.0, or who receives a class grade below a B- for any class taken for graduate credit is automatically placed on probation. A student placed on academic probation will be granted one (1) fall or spring semester to raise their cumulative GPA to 3.0 or above, will be required to achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the semester, and cannot receive a second-course grade below B-. Any student who fails to meet these criteria will be considered for dismissal by the School of Biological Sciences and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Students will demonstrate expertise in their thesis research field
• Students will demonstrate publication-level proficiency in written professional oral communication skills
• Students will demonstrate mastery of the concepts and principles of the Biological Sciences
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of research design and have the ability to carry out a research project

Students may not transfer credits from other graduate programs. However, if the student has already taken a similar required class at the graduate level, they may substitute another class, including thesis and research credits, in consultation with their major professor, and must receive a grade of B- or P or better for it to count toward their graduate degree.

Eligibility for the 4+1 program

Current 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í undergraduates with a 3.5 overall GPA and a 3.5 GPA in all math and science courses are eligible to apply for the 4+1 program in Biological Sciences. Additionally, applicants must have sponsorship from a faculty member in the School of Biological Sciences who will serve as the thesis advisor and identify at least two (2) additional individuals (faculty or experts from outside of 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í) to serve on their thesis committee. The thesis committee will be comprised of at least three (3) members: The Thesis Advisor, and two (2) others with expertise in the area of the student’s thesis topic. At least two (2) of the committee members should be at the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) or the School of Marine and Environmental Programs (SMEP). The third and any additional members may be from outside these schools or 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í, but are expected to have a doctoral or other terminal degree with research expertise in the student’s thesis area. Exceptions to these rules may be made via petition to the Graduate Program Committee.

The GRE is not required for enrollment into the program. Eligible students can apply to the 4+1 program between the second semester of their sophomore year and the second semester of their junior year. 

Application

The 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í participates in the . All applicants are required to apply online through this service.

Resume

A current resume is required and should be uploaded directly to the GradCAS application.

TUITION and FEES

Graduate tuition and fees for the +1 year may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.