The Master of Science degree in biology is primarily for students with a strong undergraduate preparation in biology who desire to prepare for advanced study, to teach at the college level, or to pursue a career in research. Students entering this program are encouraged to undertake thesis research as a means of satisfying the degree requirements.

A student desiring admission must offer an undergraduate major in biology consisting of a minimum of 50 credits in science, including a minimum of 30 credits in biology, 6 credits of chemistry, and one semester of college mathematics. Upon acceptance by the department, the student is assigned an interim adviser who assists him in arranging a program of study.

Thesis
Requires completion of an approved program consisting of a minimum of 30 credits including 2 credits of seminar; 6 credits in thesis research (BIO 590). Thesis approval requires satisfactory oral defense of the thesis.

Comprehensive Examination
Requires completion of an approved program consisting of a minimum of 30 credits including 2 credits of seminar. Students in this program must pass a final written comprehensive examination administered by the department.

Special Project
Requires completion of an approved program consisting of a minimum of 36 credits, including a special project, 2 credits of seminar and 3 credits of BIO 600, Independent Study and Research, or BIO 601, Independent Study for Nurse Anesthetist.

For more information contact:
Dr. Becky Lerud, Biology Graduate Coordinator
SCSU Graduate Studies Website

For information regarding potential research topics/projects, please visit the homepages of individual faculty on the Biology Faculty page