Biology, M.S.T.

Major area of specialization, 21-24 credits

Primarily in biology courses. Your graduate committee may approve graduate coursework from other areas (e.g. chemistry, geography, geology, mathematics, natural resources, physics). If you were admitted without a biology major, you must complete the equivalent of an undergraduate biology major in your MST program.

Professional education, 6-9 credits

Numbered 700 and above. Especially recommended are:

• EDUC 702 - Advanced Educational Psychology: Theory Into Practice 3 cr.
• EDUC 703 - Newer Views of Learning 3 cr.
• EDUC 705 - Basic Statistical Methods in Education 3 cr.
• EDUC 707 - Educational Research 3 cr.
• EDUC 721 - Fundamentals of Curriculum 3 cr.
• EDUC 771 - Supervision of Instruction 3 cr.
• NRES 61X series, especially NRES 614 - Environmental Education Teaching Strategies  
• NRES 701 - Readings in Environmental Education 1-3 cr.

Thesis Option

For those who wish to pursue original research in an area of biology or biology teaching.

1. Upon admission to the MST program, you should meet with your graduate coordinator and indicate your selection of thesis option. At this time you should discuss your proposed thesis with your graduate coordinator who will then appoint a thesis adviser knowledgeable in your area of interest.
2. You then meet with your thesis adviser to discuss the thesis and submit a written proposal.
3. After your written proposal has been approved by your adviser and graduate coordinator, two other graduate faculty members conversant with your thesis area will be appointed by the graduate coordinator to make up your thesis committee.
4. You will then make a formal presentation to the thesis committee covering (1) a prospectus for the thesis (2) a preliminary bibliography, and (3) a summary of major problems that need to be addressed. The committee will provide you with suggestions for completing the thesis, including the number of credits for the thesis when it is satisfactorily completed.
5. Following this presentation and upon receiving the committee’s approval, you should register for thesis credit in BIOL 799  at the next registration period. You must enroll for at least 2 but no more than 6 thesis credits.
6. Establish a schedule and submit drafts of portions of your thesis to your thesis committee for suggestions and critique. Consult regularly with your committee throughout the writing of your thesis.
7. At least 10 weeks before you intend to graduate (four weeks in summer session), submit the completed thesis to your committee for final evaluation. The committee will meet with you in an open forum to discuss the thesis, including any recommendations for revision. This will constitute the oral examination for the graduate degree.
8. Upon acceptance of your thesis and at least 10 days before graduation, the required copies of your thesis bearing the signature of the thesis committee will be forwarded to the Biology Department.

Comprehensive Examination Option

Written and oral.

1. Inform your graduate coordinator that you are selecting this option. Your examining committee will consist of your graduate adviser plus two members of the graduate faculty.
2. The examination will take place during the term in which you will complete the degree requirements. Early in that term or in the prior term you and the committee will meet to discuss the range of coverage for the examination.

Portfolio and Examination Option

For those who have been and are actively involved in writing for publication and/or actively participating in professional activities.

1. Submit the following to your graduate coordinator who will then select a three-member committee to review your proposal. (The proposal and materials will be evaluated for their significance, originality, scholarship, and contribution to the profession.)
   1. Rationale: Write a brief (500 words) justification for your decision to select the portfolio option. Include a statement of how many credits of portfolio you wish to include toward the graduate degree.
   2. Summary of work to date: List all appropriate publications and professional activities you have completed. Include copies of publications, manuscripts accepted for publication and other supporting materials.
   3. Award and honors: List any recent awards or honors that indicate achievement in writing or other professional accomplishments.
   4. Timetable for completion: Provide specific dates for completion of works-in-progress and submission of your completed portfolio. The completed portfolio must be submitted to the committee at least 10 weeks (four weeks in summer session) before the date you intend to graduate.
2. You must also complete a written examination during the term in which you will complete the degree requirements. Early in that term or in the prior term you and committee will meet to discuss the range of coverage for the examination. The examining committee will consist of your graduate adviser plus two members of the graduate faculty.