Biological Sciences: Master of Science
MASTER OF SCIENCES IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES: GENERAL PROGRAM (30 credits)
Program Rationale:
The General Program is for biology and science teachers and all others who wish to expand their background in the broad area of biology or who wish to specialize in a particular aspect of this discipline. Students who as undergraduates majored in areas other than biology may also pursue a master’s degree in this program. Other courses may be substituted for the professional education component with the advisor’s approval. The planned program of graduate study will be developed by a student and his or her advisor and will be based upon the student’s undergraduate record and educational needs.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Graduate students will:
• demonstrate knowledge in general biology;
• describe scientific methodology and conduct experiments;
• demonstrate a thorough understanding of a specific area of biology;
• be able to read and comprehend primary literature;
• deliver effective oral presentations (poster or PowerPoint); and
• effectively communicate on research in written format.
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Applicants must also have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.70 on a 4.00 point scale (where A is 4.00), or its equivalent, and good standing (3.00 GPA) in all post-baccalaureate course work.
The following items are required:
• application for admission to graduate study
• official transcripts from all institutions where undergraduate and graduate work has been taken
• Graduate Record Examination scores for the aptitude and advanced biology tests are recommended but not required
Additional Materials Required:
• narrative statement• letters of recommendation by three college instructors familiar with your ability and record in biology and the related sciences
The graduate application, application fee, and official transcripts are to be submitted to the Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Office. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Office from each institution attended except Central Connecticut State University. The narrative statement and recommendation letters should be submitted directly to the department chair of the Biology department.
Course and Capstone Requirements:
Professional Education (6–9 credits):
One of the following:
EDF 500 Contemporary Educational Issues
EDF 516 School and Society
EDF 524 Foundations of Contemporary Theories of Curriculum
EDF 525 History of American Education
EDF 538 The Politics of Education
EDF 583 Sociological Foundations of Education
and
Additional course(s) as approved by advisor
Biology Requirements (4–5 credits):
BIO 500 Seminar in Biology
BIO 540 Topics in Advanced Biology
Directed Electives (10–17 credits):
In biology or related fields as approved by advisor
Research (3–6 credits):
Plan A: BIO 599 Thesis (6 credits) and thesis defense or BIO 598 Research in Biology and BIO 599 Thesis (3 credits)
and thesis defense
or
Plan B: BIO 598 Research in Biology and comprehensive exam.
Note: Additional work, as described in the course syllabi, will be required for graduate credit in 400-level courses. Students may take no more than nine credits of 400-level courses.
MASTER OF SCIENCE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES: HEALTH SCIENCES SPECIALIZATION (30 - 31 credits)
Program Rationale:
The MS Biological Sciences: Health Sciences Specialization is for those who wish to expand their background in the areas of human biology in preparation for research or work at the doctoral level or in health professions, as well as for teachers wishing to specialize or update their knowledge in the area of human biology.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Graduate students will:
• demonstrate knowledge in general biology;
• describe scientific methodology and conduct experiments;
• demonstrate a thorough understanding of a specific area of biology;
• be able to read and comprehend primary literature;
• deliver effective oral presentations (poster or PowerPoint); and
• effectively communicate on research in written format.
Course and Capstone Requirements:
Major Field Requirements (24–25 credits):
BIO 412 Human Physiology
BIO 413 Human Physiology Laboratory
BIO 500 Seminar in Biology
BIO 518 Applied Physiology
BIO 528 Pharmacology
BMS 506 Biosynthesis, Bioenergetics and Metabolic Regulation
or
CHEM 550 Basic Organic and Biological Chemistry
BIO or BMS Electives as approved by Health Sciences Advisor or Department Chair.
No more than 10 credits may be taken as BMS courses.
(This 10 credit limit does not include BIO/BMS 412/413).Research (6 credits):
BIO 599 Thesis (6 credits) and thesis defense
or
BIO 598 Research in Biology and BIO 599 Thesis (3 credits) and thesis defense
Note: Additional work, as described in the course syllabi, will be required for graduate credit in 400-level courses. Students may take no more than nine credits of 400-level courses.
