The M.A. in Biology

Program Overview

The primary focus of our graduate program is the M.S. degree. Students may only transition to the M.A. track under special circumstances and with the formal consent of the Graduate Committee.

• Admissions: Direct admission to the M.A. track is very rare.
• Inquiries: Please contact the Graduate Director with any questions regarding this track.

Financial Support 

M.A. students are eligible for assistantships and may receive up to four consecutive semesters of support, provided they remain in good academic standing.

• Note on Summer Funding: Unlike the M.S. track, M.A. students are not eligible for summer research support.

Degree Requirements 

The M.A. is a non-thesis degree track with the following academic requirements:

• Total Credits: Completion of 32 graduate credit hours.
• External Coursework: Students may petition the Graduate Committee to take up to 12 semester hours in other departments.
• Examination: Successful completion of a Qualifying Examination is required.
• Advising: Instead of a full thesis committee, M.A. students select a single faculty member to serve as their primary adviser for regular consultation.

 

See the Graduate Catalog and the Graduate Handbook for details.