Degree Requirements:

(See general College requirements in ‘Graduate Regulations ’.)

An M.S. degree requires 24 credits plus one credit of BIOL 700  (Thesis), generally taken during one’s last semester. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better must be earned for all courses counted toward the degree requirements. A candidate must complete 15 semester hours of coursework numbered either in the 500s or 600s; excluding BIOL 695 . Within these 15 semester hours, every student must successfully complete BIOL 601  (Introduction to Graduate Studies) during their first year in the program. Students must also register for at least one credit of Colloquium (BIOL 685  ). Up to 3 credits of BIOL 685  can count toward the required 15 semester hours. In addition, 9 credits of BIOL 695  (Graduate Research) are required. Thesis students are strongly encouraged to complete their course requirements before the beginning of their fourth semester.

Each student must pass a Graduate Student Qualifying Examination covering basic and advanced principles of biology. The exam is given in the student’s second semester. Details of the examination and other procedures are provided in the Biology Department Graduate Handbook.

Each student must also complete a research thesis approved by the committee. The work must be presented in a seminar open to all members of the department; the seminar is followed by an oral examination administered by the committee. Students who wish to work with a specific faculty member are encouraged to contact him or her prior to entering the program.

A minimum residency period of one year is required.

General Description:

With the approval of his or her committee, a student registered in the M.S. program may take up to 6 credits in other departments. M.A. students may take up to 12 credits in other departments. Depending on background and preparation, a student may be additionally required to take one or more undergraduate courses that will not count toward the degree.

Teaching Assistantships will be awarded without reference to track. Both M.S. and M.A. students will be eligible for 4 consecutive semesters of support as long as they remain in good standing. M.A. students are not eligible for summer support. All students receiving an Assistantship may not register for more than 12 course credits.

By the beginning of their second semester, M.S. students must have established a thesis committee. After this date, a change may be made only upon approval of the Graduate Committee. Permission for a M.S. student to change to the M.A. program will be given only under extraordinary circumstances and will require repayment of funds received by the student in support of summer research.

For additional information regarding requirements, consult the Department of Biology Graduate Handbook (available upon request). For information concerning the Cooperative Program in Secondary School Teaching with the School of Education write to the School of Education, College of William and Mary.