Biological Sciences M.A.

Program Rationale:

The master of arts programs provide study in the biological sciences for those graduate students desiring to major in biology. The programs are designed to fulfill the educational needs of biologists who desire further specialization and/or knowledge of recent advances in the field; students who seek a subject matter masters as an intermediate step toward preparation for work at the doctoral level; and teachers who are interested in specializing in a particular area, or updating their knowledge within the discipline of biology. Specialization may be in such areas as botany, zoology, physiology, ecology, and environmental studies. Each student will be assigned an advisor whose function will be to help the student plan a sound program.
 

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. A minimum cumulative 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 is 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

• Graduate Record Examination scores for the aptitude and advanced biology tests are recommended but not required

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 letters of recommendation should be submitted directly to the department chair of the Biology department.

When an applicant’s admission folder is complete, it will be forwarded to the department chair. The Departmental Graduate Committee will make a recommendation for acceptance. Students who are accepted will be assigned an advisor at the time of acceptance. If applicable, a thesis advising committee will be assigned after the student begins the program of study.

Course and Capstone Requirements:
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. 

Biological Sciences: Ecology and Environmental Science, MA 30 credits

Biology Course Component (24 credits):

(1) BIO 500 Seminar in Biology (1 credit), and BIO 515 Foundations of Ecology (3 credits), and BIO 540 Topics in Advanced Biology (3–4 credits), with a topic focus appropriate to the specialization (may be repeated with different
topics).

Biological Sciences: General Program, MA 30 credits
There are two options (Plan A and Plan B) leading to the Master of Arts degree, both of which require 30 credits.

Both Plan A and B require BIO 500 and 540 in addition to 19–20 credits of directed electives in biology or related fields as approved by advisor. Plan A also requires BIO 599 (6 credits) and thesis defense or BIO 598 (3 credits) and 599 (3 credits) and thesis defense. Plan B requires 3 credits in BIO 590 and/or BIO 591, and BIO 598 (3 credits) and a comprehensive exam. 

Biological Sciences: Global Sustainability Program, MA 30 credits
There are two options (Plan A and Plan B) leading to the Master of Arts degree, both of which require 30 credits.

Sustainability Component (9 Credits): SUST 500, SUST 501, SUST 502.

Biology Course Component (15 credits)

Both Plan A and B require the sustainability courses and BIO 500 and 540 in addition to credits of directed electives in biology or related fields as approved by advisor. Plan A also requires BIO 599 (6 credits) and thesis defense or BIO 598 (3 credits) and 599 (3 credits) and thesis defense. Plan B requires 3 credits in BIO 590 and/or BIO 591, and BIO 598 (3 credits) and a comprehensive exam. 

Science Advisor. Appropriate courses in the biology electives may include:

BIO 508 Coastal Ecology 3
BIO 509 Coastal Ecology Laboratory 1
BIO 520 Plant Ecology 3
BIO 540 Topics in Advanced Bio. 3–4
BIO 590 Focused Study in Advanced Biology 1–4
BIO 598 Research in Biology 3
BIO 405 Ecology 4
BIO 410 Ecological Physiology 4
BIO 425 Aquatic Plant Biology 4
BIO 434 Ecology of Inland Waters 4
BIO 436 Environmental Resources and Management 3
BIO 438 Aquatic Pollution 4
BIO 440 Evolution 3
BIO 444 Plant Taxonomy 3
BIO 480 Animal Behavior 3
Capstone Component (6 credits, students may select Plan A or Plan B).
Plan A: Option 1, BIO 599 Thesis (6 credits)
and thesis defense or Option 2, BIO 599 Thesis (3 credits) and thesis defense, and
BIO 598 Research in Biology (3 credits).
Plan B: Three credits in BIO 590 and/or
BIO 591, and BIO 598 (3 credits) and a comprehensive exam.