Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 Course Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology, M.S.


See also:
Biology B.S. to M.S. Accelerated 
Emerging Infectious Diseases Graduate Certificate 
Integrative Genomics Graduate Certificate 

A master’s degree in Biology enables graduate students to increase the depth and scope of their knowledge in a wide variety of biological disciplines as well as to prepare for advancement in their chosen careers.

Students complete their 30 credits of coursework online and may transfer up to 6 credits of Biology-related credits.

Program Outcomes

The successful student will:

  • Demonstrate a command of key concepts and an ability to identify and solve fundamental biological problems
  • Demonstrate critical-thinking and problem-based learning skills, where the anticipated outcome will be the ability to develop new ideas, to explore new areas of science or other academic endeavors, to design, implement, and evaluate scientific investigations, and to assess, interpret, and understand data
  • Communicate scientific ideas, and to be able to understand and explain principles of Biology both conceptually and quantitatively

Matriculation Requirements

  1. Graduate admission application and nonrefundable application fee
  2. A baccalaureate degree in Biology or related field (ex: cell biology, ecology, marine biology, genetics, zoology, plant biology, evolutionary biology, microbiology) from a regionally accredited institution. If the degree is not in Biology, transcripts must reflect a B or better for a minimum of 4 biology lab courses
  3. Sealed official transcripts of all undergraduate work from all colleges attended (Minimum GPA of 3.0)
  4. Two letters recommending the candidate for graduate work at University of Saint Joseph from individuals who can comment cogently upon the ability of the candidate to perform in graduate studies
  5. A letter of intent stating the reason for wanting the degree or certificate, the courses of interest, possible transfer courses to be brought into the program, and what they will be bringing to the program
  6. Planned program of study
  7. An essay of 600 words with appropriate citations on a science topic of applicant’s choice is necessary, if GPA is borderline
  8. Note: We no longer require the GREs for matriculation

Matriculated students have priority to register for courses during the registration period. Note: Financial aid is only available to students who are formally accepted and matriculated.

Degree Requirements (30 credits)


  1. Biology electives (24-30 credits)
  2. Related courses (0-6 credits)
    Students may select six graduate credits of related course work from another department or other accredited graduate program. These courses must be pre-approved by the department chair or Biology graduate program director.
  3. A GPA of 2.67
  4. A passing grade on 7 of 8 parts of the comprehensive exam
     

Comprehensive Examination


All students must pass a comprehensive examination after having completed a minimum of 24 credits in our Biology department (does not include transfer credits). Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.67 or better to take the comprehensive examination. Students in the thesis option will present and defend their thesis as a culminating activity in addition to a written comprehensive exam. All students must submit an application for the comprehensive examination.

Additional Thesis Requirement (Selected students only)


Students wishing to produce a thesis need to submit a proposal to the department for approval and follow all degree requirements, as well as the specifics below.

  •   3 Credits OR graduate level Statistics
  •   3 Credits
  • A passing grade on the oral exam following the formal presentation of thesis research findings to the University  community

Courses


Transfer credits (0–6 credits)