Program requirements:
Core courses (9 credits)
- BIOL 510 – Introduction to Graduate Scholarship
- BIOL 544 – Biostatistics
- One of the following:
BIOL 540 – Research Techniques in Ecology & Environmental Science
BIOL 541 – Molecular, Cellular, & Biochemical Research Techniques
Early Admission students can replace BIOL 540 or 541 with 4 credits of BIOL elective courses at the 500 level.
Elective courses (11 credits)
- 11 credits of BIOL courses at the 500 level. BIOE courses may be substituted with the approval of the graduate program coordinator.
Research experience and exit requirements (10 credits)
Students may select a thesis or non-thesis option.
Thesis option:
- 10 credits of research from among the following:
BIOL 502 – Research
BIOL 503 – Directed Study
BIOL 588 – Thesis in Biology
BIOL 598 – Graduate Internship in Biology
At least 3 credits (usually the final 3) must be BIOL 588 – Thesis in Biology; oral defense required. For further information, please see the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures “Thesis” section of the catalog.
A thesis proposal will be completed within the student’s first academic year in the program. Thereafter, a written progress update will be submitted to the research mentor at the end of each semester.
Non-thesis option:
- 6 credits of research from among the following:
BIOL 502 – Research
BIOL 503 – Directed Study
BIOL 516 – Research Academy for Teachers
BIOL 598 – Graduate Internship in Biology
- 4 additional credits of BIOL courses at the 500 level. BIOE courses may be substituted with the approval of the graduate program coordinator.
- A comprehensive examination, which should be attempted in the last semester of the student’s program. Please see the Graduate Academic Policies section of this catalog for additional information.
Total Minimum Credits: 30
***For the most up-to-date information regarding course descriptions, please visit our University Catalog.
