Biology Master of Science degree

Departmental Requirements for Admission to the Program without Deficiencies:

An undergraduate major in the Life Sciences with requisite evidence of training and motivation necessary to succeed in graduate study. Supporting science background to include physics, math, and organic chemistry.

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is strongly recommended; applicants should have GRE scores forwarded to SUNY Fredonia.

Program Requirements

The Master of Science degree has both a thesis option program and a non-thesis option. Appropriate courses are chosen after consultation with the student’s thesis advisor and graduate committee. The Department of Biology strongly recommends broad training in biology. Specific courses chosen will depend on the student’s background and interests, but a student should design a program combining molecular, organismal, and population biology courses.

A. Thesis Option

A minimum of 30 semester hours is required, as follows:

Seminar (three semesters)

Thesis Research

Appropriate course work as advised (at least 21 credit hours)

Written Thesis

Final Comprehensive Examination

Total Credit Hours for Program Completion: 30

B. Non-Thesis Option

A minimum of 30 semester hours is required, as follows:

Seminar (three semesters)

Biology courses*

Electives (any department)

Final Comprehensive Exam

Total Credit Hours for Program Completion: 30

*BIOL 690-BIOL 691 may not be used toward the Non-Thesis Option.