Program Requirements

Program Overview

The M.S. non-thesis degree is designed primarily for non-resident students who would like to acquire greater expertise in modern biology. In lieu of a thesis defense, students completing this option are required to pass a comprehensive examination covering the courses within their program.

The non-thesis degree option can be completed entirely online.  A total of 30 credit hours must be completed.  The usual time to complete these hours for the majority of our students is two to three years. 

MS in Biology - Non-Thesis (30 hours)


REQUIRED COURSES (9 credit hours):

  • BIOL 802 - Organic Evolution, 3 credit hours
  • BIOL 848 - Scientific Literacy and Communication, 3 credit hours
    (Students are encouraged to take this course during their first 9 hours in the program)
Take ONE of the following:
  • BIOL 827 - Concepts of Biological Statistics, 3 credit hours
  • BIOL 849 - Advanced Biological Statistics, 3 credit hours

 

ELECTIVES (21 credit hours): 
All graduate level Biology courses (BIOL) will fulfill the elective requirements for the degree. This includes courses with a P designation (have an undergraduate counterpart). No more than 15 hours of coursework with a "P" designation may apply to the degree program. See Course Descriptions for elective course options. CHEM 855-Principles of Biochemistry will also apply towards the elective requirement. 

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