Student Learning Outcomes - The graduate with a Master of Science degree in Biology will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the program to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the theories and principles of biology and of the development of biology as a discipline in the student’s area of specialization.
- Utilize the language and concepts of biology effectively in oral and written presentations.
- Select, apply and interpret appropriate metrics and analyses to resolve biological issues and problems in the student’s area of specialization.
- Develop, implement and carry through to completion original research by utilizing the language and concepts of biology effectively in oral and written presentations (Plan A).
- Develop and report, utilizing the language and concepts of biology effectively in oral and written presentations, secondary research based on literature search of published resources. Report must be at least 20 pages with a minimum of 10 current citations from peer-reviewed journals (Plan B).
Preference for admission to the program is contingent upon a prospective student meeting the minimum admission requirements listed below:
- Have a minimum of 30 semester hours in biology, 8 hours of chemistry and a statistics course.
- Have a minimum 2.75 GPA overall.
- Have a cumulative general GRE score (verbal and quantitative) of 300 and an analytical writing score of 3.5 or higher.
- Submit the names and contact information for three references.
- Submit a statement of purpose and intent, which includes the proposed project, faculty member(s) involved, and how the project fits with the faculty member, as well as the student’s goals.
- Submit documentation to the school graduate coordinator of a UCM school faculty member agreeing to serve as the primary advisor. The faculty member must have full graduate status in order to serve as primary advisor.
- Submit to the school graduate coordinator the contact information for three references and the letter of purpose and intent.
- Courses needed (i.e. Chemistry I and II (Chem 1131 and 1132)).
Applicants may still be considered if one or more criteria are not met, but additional emphasis may be placed on the remaining requirements. Students provisionally admitted into the program are expected to fulfill deficiencies in coursework within the first year.
Applications that are complete on or before the school deadlines are given priority for admission.
- Deadline for Fall admissions: February 15
- Deadline for Spring admissions: September 15
If school application deadlines are missed, the applicant may request their packet be forwarded to the next semester for consideration.
The graduate student must have the faculty member commitment prior to admission. Prior to submitting an application to the graduate program, applicants should contact faculty members within the school with shared interests to determine available space within the respective faculty member’s lab.
Students may take graduate courses once accepted by UCM Graduate Studies, but MUST have an advisor before acceptance into this degree program.
A student must submit a thesis and present a school seminar (Plan A) or satisfy the additional course requirements shown below (Plan B).
All biology graduate students must comply with “The Graduate Guide” and all university and school policies.
UCM undergraduate students who have already taken a 4000 level course may not repeat any 5000 level dual listed courses for credit, hours, or advancement towards any degree or certificate in the Biology Program.
Students must present their project to the faculty on the Friday before break of the Fall or Spring semester to show progression in their program.
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