Biology, M.S.
Minimum Totals for Graduation: 30 - 36 hours
The Department of Biology offers both the Plan A and the Plan B Master of Science degree. Plan A requires completion of 6 to 9 credit hours in BIO 798 (Thesis), one (1) credit hour in BIO 730 (Seminar), 20 to 23 hours of graduate course work approved by the student's advisor and advisory committee, and an oral defense of the thesis. Plan A is recommended to those students preparing for research-oriented careers or for doctoral study. Plan B requires the completion of 36 credit hours of graduate-level course work approved by the student's advisor and advisory committee and a written and/or oral comprehensive examination over the course work. Students enrolled in the M.S. conservation concentration program may pursue a Plan A (thesis) option only.
Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards
Admission Requirements Snapshot
GPA: 3.0 (and 3.0 in major)
Commitment of faculty advisor
Entrance Exam: GRE
See Admission Requirement Details Below
To be eligible for Regular Admission to the graduate program in biology, applicants should have completed an undergraduate degree with a major in a biological science with a 3.0 or better grade point average in their major and a 3.0 GPA overall. Applicants must submit general GRE scores, statement of interests, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation as specified in the Biology Department Web page (https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/cst/biology/Pages/Graduate-Programs.aspx). In addition, chemistry is required while mathematics and physics are highly recommended. Admission to the program is contingent upon advisor acceptance. An applicant who does not meet the foregoing requirements may be granted Conditional Admission by the department graduate committee.
Fifteen credit hours (seminar and thesis or research in biology included) must be earned at the 600-level or above.
Program Requirements
Select one of the following options:
Biology - Plan A (30 hours)
Required Courses (12-15 hours)
Note: At least 6 hours of BIO 798 required. Also requires oral defense of thesis.
Electives I (8-18 hours)
Select graduate course work approved by the student's advisor and advisory committee.
Electives II (0-10 hours)
Additional courses in cognate areas selected in consultation with student's advisor and advisory committee.
Total: 30 Semester Hours
Biology - Plan B (36 hours)
Thirty-six (36) hours of graduate-level coursework approved by the advisory committee. Up to 10 hours may be in one or more cognate areas, subject to approval by the advisory committee. Students must submit an approved Plan B paper demonstrating either research, independent study, or internship. A comprehensive oral and/or written examination over the coursework administered by the advisory committee.
Total: 36 Semester Hours
Biology: Conservation Concentration
This concentration in Conservation Biology is designed to prepare students for career opportunities with state and federal agencies and conservation organizations. Fifteen credit hours (seminar and thesis or research in biology included) must be earned at the 600-level or above.
Required Courses (12-15 hours)
Note: At least 6 hours of BIO 798 required. Also requires oral defense of thesis.
Required Courses II (9-10 hours)
Conservation Concentration
| BIO 650 | Population and Community Ecology | 4(3-2) |
| BIO 680 | Conservation Biology | 3(3-0) |
Note: A course in community ecology is also required.
Electives (5-9 hours)
Select course work approved by the student's advisor and advisory committee
Total: 30 Semester Hours