The Master's degree in biology is an academic degree designed for working science teachers. The Master of Science option requires completion of original thesis research on some aspect of teaching and learning biology. The Master of Arts option allows for more flexibility due to an increased number of elective units as compared to the Master of Science.

Graduation Requirements

1. A completed Application for Degree Candidacy (on-line or in the Office of Records, main campus);
2. Completion of the approved graduate program of 36 units, including the thesis and six elective units for the M.S. or twelve elective units for the M.A.;
3. A cumulative grade-point average of 3.000 or higher. A student may earn a maximum of two “C” grades in the program; and
4. All accounts paid in full.

Admission Requirements to the
Master of Arts and Master of Science Programs

• A completed application for admission to the Biology program;
• Official transcripts from accredited institutions, one of which must indicate the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a science field;
• Successful completion of a post-baccalaureate credential program or an undergraduate upper-division grade-point average of at least 3.000;
• Two recommendations from appropriate persons who have knowledge of the applicant's character and professional performance;
• A writing sample on assigned topics which indicates graduate-level ability;
• Test score on either the GRE subject test in biology or the biology Major Field Test; and
• An interview with the appropriate graduate director or coordinator.

CORE COURSES

COURSE	TITLE	UNITS
BIO 611	Science Education Seminar	3
BIO 633	History/Philosophy of Science	3
BIO 643	Research Design in Science Education	3
BIO 663	Cell Biology and Biochemistry	3
BIO 664	Ecology and Evolution	4
BIO 673	Physiology and Development	3
BIO 674	Genetics and Molecular Biology	4
BIO 682	Research Proposal and Pilot Study	1
	TOTAL	24

Additional Master of Science Courses

COURSE	TITLE	UNITS
BIO 683	Thesis	1-6
	TOTAL	6

Elective Courses*

M.S. students complete 6 units of elective coursework; M.A. students complete 12 units of elective coursework.

COURSE	TITLE	UNITS
BIO 601	Graduate Internship in Biology	1-6
BIO 692	Perspectives on Science	2
SCI 672	SEASAND (may be repeated)	2

• Approved upper-division biology courses
• Approved graduate education courses

* Students will develop an academic plan within the first semester of enrollment to determine the appropriate electives based on bachelor’s degree coursework, teaching experience, and professional goals.

Courses