Biology - M.S. Degree
Department of Biology
Office: 221 Science Center
(716) 673-3282
Dr. William D. Brown, Chairperson
Dr. Karry Kazial, Graduate Coordinator
Email: biology@fredonia.edu
Website: https://www.fredonia.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-liberal-arts-sciences/biology
Departmental Requirements for Admission to the Program without Deficiencies
Applicants should have completed an undergraduate degree in the Life Sciences earning a 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) or above and demonstrate the requisite evidence of training and the motivation necessary to succeed in graduate study. Supporting science background includes physics, statistics or calculus, and organic chemistry.
At least two current (within the last 6 months) letters of recommendation from individuals qualified to assess the applicant's academic background in Life Sciences is required.
Program Requirements
The Master of Science degree has both a thesis option and a Comprehensive Exam option. Appropriate courses are chosen after consultation with the student’s advisor and graduate committee. For Thesis option students, the Department of Biology recommends in-depth study in the student's thesis area. For Comprehensive Exam option students, the Department of Biology recommends broad training in biology including cell and molecular, ecology and evolution, organismal and population biology coursework.
Degree Requirements
Thesis Option:
| BIOL 590 | Graduate Seminar | 1 |
| BIOL 511 | Graduate Research Methods | 3 |
| BIOL 521 | Graduate Science Communication | 3 |
| Eighteen (18) Credits of Biology 500/600 Level Electives | 18 |
| BIOL 690 | Thesis Research | 1-9 |
| Written Proposal and Proposal Defense | |
| Written Thesis and Thesis Defense | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
Note:
- BIOL 590 Seminar is to be taken for three semesters
- BIOL 690 Thesis Research is to be taken for three (3) credits
Comprehensive Exam Option:
| BIOL 590 | Graduate Seminar | 1 |
| BIOL 511 | Graduate Research Methods | 3 |
| BIOL 521 | Graduate Science Communication | 3 |
| Eighteen (18) Credits of Biology 500/600 Level Electives | 18 |
| | Graduate Elective - any department | 3 |
| Final Comprehensive Exam | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
Note:
- Up to 3 credits of BIOL 680 Graduate Research may be used toward the Comprehensive Exam option.
-
BIOL 590 Seminar is to be taken for three semesters
Total Credit Hours: 30