Biology - MS

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College of Science

Department of Biology

Co-Directors: Dr. Carol von Dohlen and Dr. Karen Kapheim

Graduate Programs Coordinator: Anthony Sterenchak

Location: Biology-Natural Resources 117E

E-Mail: anthony.sterenchak@usu.edu

Phone: (435) 797-2485

Website: https://www.usu.edu/biology/

Degrees offered: Master of Science (MS) in Biology or Biology (Ecology). The department also participates in the Climate Adaptation Science interdisciplinary program.

Ecology: https://www.usu.edu/ecology/

Climate Adaptation Science: https://www.usu.edu/climate-adaptation/

Biology MS Course Requirements

Degree Verification

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or a similarly recognized international university is required for admission to and completion of a graduate program.

Overall Graduate GPA at least 3.0 and no grades of C- or lower;

Graduate students are required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA for degree-program courses. Grades of C- or lower will not be accepted for a graduate degree.

Course Number Acceptability

Course requirements are determined by the student’s supervisory committee (6000 level or above). They will vary depending on the research emphasis selected and the background of the student.

Credits in the following areas are not acceptable in a degree program: foreign languages (unless included in an approved Program of Study), continuing graduate advisement, individual home study, military science, and courses numbered below 3000.

Matriculation Start Semester

A master’s degree must be completed within six years of entering the degree program. Additional time may be requested by the student’s committee and submitted to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies for review.

Coursework Validity

Coursework over eight years old at the time of degree completion may not be used for a graduate degree unless it is revalidated.

USU Residency Requirement
- Master’s

At least 24-semester credits for a master’s degree must be from a committee-approved and a School of Graduate Studies-approved Program of Study from Utah State University.

Thesis/Dissertation Research Credits 6970/7970
- Plan A students:

The Plan A option for a master’s degree requires the preparation and defense of a thesis. Students are required to complete a minimum of 6 semester credits of thesis research (6970) with a maximum of 15 thesis credits applied toward a Program of Study.

Master’s forms:
- Recommended General statement:
  - Approval of academic forms required for master’s students by the School of Graduate Studies
- List of specific forms required, depending on plan type:
  - Supervisory Committee
  - Program of Study
  - Annual Professional Development Plan
  - Individual Development Plan
  - Completion of Comprehensive Exam (Written or Oral)
  - Thesis/Project Approval
  - Appointment for Examination
  - Record of Examination
  - SGS and library review and approval of Thesis
Defense
- Completion of Public Presentation of research
- Completion of Private Defense with Supervisory Committee
Total Credits
- MS-A: 30

BIOL 6750 Intro to Grad Studies