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Nov 21, 2024
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2023-2024 Graduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]
Biological Science, Non-Thesis, M.S.
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The non-thesis Master of Science (M.S.) in biological science degree is a coursework-focused program. This M.S. degree program in biological science is specifically designed for professionals in the Tulsa metroplex who would like a graduate degree in biological science but who work full time, such as teachers and medical technicians. It is also ideal for those pursing medical or dental careers and who require coursework beyond their undergraduate degree in order to obtain the skills needed to be competitive applicants to these professional schools.
Although the non-thesis M.S. is a coursework-focused degree, it is not dependent on completing a set list of classes. Instead, the degree allows each student to specify a field of focus and work with advisors to choose coursework within that focus to complete the degree. Options range from molecular and cellular biology to ecology, and include genetics, microbiology and physiology.
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Learning Outcomes
The focus of the program is to offer quality graduate level courses in advanced topics in biological science and graduate M.S. students prepared for non-research positions or advanced degree programs not involving research (e.g., M.D., D.O., Pharm.D., D.D.S.). Graduating students will be able to:
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1. Demonstrate knowledge in the core areas of biology, General Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology, Organism Diversity, Evolution, and Structure, General Ecology, General Microbiology, and General Physiology.
2. Demonstrate knowledge in a subfield of biology beyond the core-biology level: Microbial, Physiology/Neurobiology, Cell/Molecular, Ecology/Environmental, or Self Design area of focus.
3. Demonstrate a technical biology skill.
4. Develop communication skills relevant for the biological sciences.
5. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of a topic within their specialty.
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Program Goals
The goal of the non-thesis M.S. program is to offer quality graduate level courses in advanced topics in biological science and graduate M.S. students prepared for non-research positions or advanced degree programs not involving research (e.g., M.D., D.O., Pharm.D., D.D.S).
Admission
Requirements for admission to the Graduate School, including English proficiency, may be found in the Admission section of this Bulletin. In addition, applicants to the graduate program in biological science must submit evidence of the following:
- an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale;
- results from the General Test of the Graduate Record Exam;
- a statement of purpose describing the applicant’s background, specific interests in biology, and long-term professional objectives; and
- reference letters (evaluations) from two individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or technical background
Students not meeting the specific course requirements at the time of application may be admitted on conditional grounds. In such cases, coursework required to make up deficiencies will be determined by the departmental Graduate Committee and should be undertaken during the first year of graduate work. Credit for courses required to correct deficiencies cannot be applied to the graduate degree requirements.
Coursework
The non-thesis M.S. in biological science requires 36 hours of coursework with no more than 40 percent at the 6000-level.
| Graduate Seminar |
9 to 12 hours* |
| Coursework in focus area |
12 to 15 hours* |
| Coursework providing technical bio-skill |
3 hours |
| Research Courses |
6 hours |
| Directed Reading Capstone Project |
3 hours |
| Total |
36 hours |
*If student only takes 12 hours of coursework, then 12 hours of graduate seminar is required. However, if student takes 15 hours of coursework, only 9 hours of graduate seminar is necessary.
Approved Supporting Elective Graduate Courses
Capstone Seminar
Graduation is contingent upon a satisfactory presentation of a seminar to the department. The M.S. student will be expected to answer questions posed by the faculty of biological science related to the content of the presentation.
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