Biology - MS

College of Science

Department of Biology

Co-Directors: Dr. Erin Bobeck 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/

School of Graduate Studies Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• The Program of Study for a master’s degree must include at least 15 semester credits at the level of 6000 or above.
• 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 over eight years old at the time of degree completion may not be used for a graduate degree unless it is revalidated.

 

• Course Level Restrictions:
  • Graduate level course work (6000 and above)
  • No more than 12 credits of 5000-5990 level courses
• 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:
  • 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
    • Thesis Format and Style
    • Authorship and Copyright
    • Thesis Title Page
    • 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