Program Requirements

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

The M.Sc. degree requires completion of BIOL_O 501, a 21-credit research-based thesis (BIOL_O 599), and a minimum of 6 additional credits of coursework. All coursework must be completed with a cumulative average of 75% or higher.

The elective course(s) must be approved by the student's supervisory committee. The supervisory committee may require additional coursework, if this is necessary for successful completion of the thesis research.

Students interested in transferring from the M.Sc. program into the Ph.D. program should be aware that additional coursework may be required to qualify for transfer into the Ph.D. program. Students should refer to the Ph.D. admission requirements and program requirements below and contact the department for complete information about transferring into the Ph.D. program

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. degree requires completion of a substantial, original research-based thesis (BIOL_O 699) under the supervision of a faculty member in the Biology graduate program. Ph.D. students are not required to complete any additional coursework unless: 1) required by the supervisory committee, or 2) as a condition of admission. Within 18 months of registering in the program, Ph.D. students are required to present a research proposal and pass a comprehensive oral examination designed to assess the student's breadth of knowledge in the general subject area(s) of the proposed research.

Outreach requirement: Ph.D. students are also required to conduct outreach based on their research (e.g., participation in government committees, leading field trips, presentation of research results to user groups).

Students registered in the M.Sc. program may transfer to the Ph.D. program after 12-18 months, if approved by their research committee, the Biology Graduate Program Coordinator, and the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. Transferring is possible only if the student has completed 12 credits of coursework in the first 18 months of his or her program with first class standing and has successfully defended a research proposal. Such transfers must comply with the regulations of the College of Graduate Studies.