Degree Requirements / Curriculum

The department offers the Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences. Course work (program of study) and area of research are determined on an individual basis.

The unconditional graduate student with an advisory committee will develop a program in a selected discipline of biology based upon interests and preparation. The student's approved program will include required core courses, a selection of additional formal courses in a specialization, independent study and an appropriate thesis. It will normally constitute 45 to 50 quarter units of credit.

Requirements

The degree program must include a minimum of 45 quarter units; at least 24 units must be in 500-600 level courses.
No more than 13 units of acceptable graduate credit may be transferred from another graduate institution. No more than 13 units taken through Extension may be used on a contract. No more than 13 units of acceptable graduate credit may be petitioned by an undergraduate student. A total limit of 13 transfer and/or extension and/or units petitioned for graduate credit may be included on a master's contract.
The student must complete the program based upon the curriculum outlined below.
A grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better must be maintained in all upper division undergraduate and all graduate classes.
A grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better must be maintained in all courses listed on the program of study. No course listed on the program of study may have a grade less than C.
The Graduation Writing Test (GWT) must be passed prior to Advancement to Candidacy.
Advancement to Candidacy (Thesis proposal - BIO 693) is required.
An acceptable thesis must be completed and submitted for binding in accordance with university regulations. See the University Library Thesis Regulations .
A final oral exam (thesis defense) must be successfully completed.
The candidate must be enrolled in the university during the quarter of graduation.

Curriculum

The degree requires a minimum of 45 quarter units, distributed as follows:

	Course	Units
Required Courses	Seminar in Biology (BIO 680) - usually taken 3 times for 1 unit each	3
	Presentation of Research Proposal (BIO 693)	1
	Thesis Research in Biological Sciences (BIO 694)	6
	Master's Degree Thesis (BIO 696)	3
	Total: Required Courses (quarter units)	13
Courses in a Specialization	To be selected with consent of the student's thesis committee from 400, 500 and 600-level courses; minimum of 32 (maximum of 37) units, including at least 11 units of 500 and 600-level courses.	32
	TOTAL: Required Courses + Courses in a Specialization	45