biology graduate typical schedule credits

MS in Biology (typical schedule)  

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Requires 30 credit hours of courses numbered in the 500s and 600s.

Students should take 24 degree-counting credits by the end of their 3rd semester. See notes below
regarding the mystery of degree-counting credits.

To maintain full time status and program compliance – students should take at least 9 credits each
semester. Sometimes that requires taking additional, non-degree counting BIOL 695 credits.

Students who will be supported as RAs during all or part of their 2nd year should consult with their
advisor and Grad Director. They may want to take more degree-counting courses in year 1.

Fall 1st semester

Fall 1st Semester Courses and Credits Table

Courses	Credits
BIOL 601 Intro to Grad Studies	3
BIOL 682 Research Seminar	1
BIOL xxx¹	2-3
BIOL 695	2-3
Cumulative Credits towards degree	9

¹Frequently taken courses include the 1-2 credit version of Research Design & Methods, Advanced
Biostats, or Endocrinology. Students should consult with their research advisor regarding courses that are appropriate for both their research and their preparation for the comprehensive exam.

Spring 2nd semester

Spring 2nd Semester Courses and Credits Table

Courses	Credits
BIOL 682 Research Seminar	1
BIOL xxx²	3
BIOL 695	5
Cumulative credits towards degree	18

²Many students take a 2nd 3 credit course this semester to help prepare for their comps and/or lighten their course load in their second year. If a student will be on an RA in their 3rd semester, they should definitely take a second 3 credit course this semester.

Fall 3rd semester

Fall 3rd Semester Courses and Credits Table

Courses	Credits
BIOL 682 Research Seminar	1
BIOL xxx³	3
BIOL 695	5
Cumulative credits towards degree	24 not 27 (since only 9 credits of 695 count)

³Students should be sure to complete 24 degree counting credits by the end of this semester

Spring 4th semester

Spring 4th Semester Courses and Credits Table

Courses	Credits
BIOL 700*	12 credits (*Sign up for 12, billed for 1 credit)
Cumulative credits towards degree	30 (since only 6 credits of 700 count)

The mystery of degree counting credits - EXPLAINED

Must take 9 credits of BIOL 695 (Graduate Research) towards degree. Students often take additional
BIOL 695 credits in specific semesters in order to maintain full time status – but these additional BIOL 695 credits do not count towards the degree.

Must take 1 credit of BIOL 682 (Research Seminar) towards the degree. Up to 3 credits of BIOL 682
(Research Seminar) can count towards degree, and most student take this course, each of their first 3 semesters.

Must take 6 credits of BIOL 700 towards degree. Students should take 12 credits of BIOL 700 during
their 4th semester (for administrative purposes); however these additional BIOL 700 credits do not count towards the degree. If a student has attained Research Grad status by the end of the 3rd semester, those 12 credits are only charged at the 1 credit rate.

Minimum of 9 credits each semester to be considered full time.