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The College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences offers graduate programs in 18 traditional disciplines in agriculture, forestry, and a wide variety of biological sciences, from the fundamental to the applied. The college awards the MS and PhD degrees as well as the Master of Agricultural Education and Master of Forest Resources professional degrees. These postbaccalaureate degree programs are designed primarily to provide continuing education for individuals whose interests lie outside a research-oriented profession.
The program in Applied Economics is a cooperative effort between the Department of Applied Economics and Statistics and the Department of Economics in the College of Business and Behavioral Science. The programs in Biosystems Engineering and Environmental Toxicology are jointly administered with the College of Engineering and Science.
Through cooperative programs with state, federal, and private agencies, students can extend their research off campus to the Greenwood Genetics Center, research and education centers spanning South Carolina, and state and national forests of the Savannah River Basin. Proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains provides access to one of the most biologically diverse regions of the world.
Courses are offered in experimental statistics and agricultural mechanization to provide minors for students in other areas and in biological sciences, biology instruction, community and rural development, rural sociology, nutrition, botany, crop and soil environmental science, horticulture, plant pathology, and plant physiology to provide electives for students in other areas.
Graduate work in Agricultural and Applied Economics enables the student to attain a higher degree of specialized professional competence and to secure a greater mastery of techniques for applying quantitative economic analysis to agricultural economic development and natural resource problems. Industry, government, and universities offer challenging opportunities in research, development, education, management, and other related areas for individuals with advanced training.
Special emphasis in the graduate program is placed on the economics of agricultural production and marketing, economic development, analysis of government programs and policies, and statistical techniques used in solving economic and institutional problems. Flexibility is achieved through choice of elective courses and selection of a master's thesis or doctoral dissertation topic. A nonthesis option is available as well. There is no language requirement.
In addition to applicants with baccalaureate degrees in agricultural economics and related programs, the department encourages applications from students who have a sound background in general economics. In many cases, such students may be admitted to full graduate status without prerequisites other than those required of all graduate students.
The Master of Agricultural Education is a professional degree designed to enhance the human resource skills in agriculture and education. The flexible program provides a core of planning, delivery, evaluation, and administrative strategies while encouraging specialization in teacher education, adult and extension education, agricultural communications, youth development, or technology transfer. Graduates hold positions as agriculture teachers, extension agents, agricultural and environmental agency employees, as well as human resource development specialists in the agricultural industry.
Candidates for the degree are required to plan an individual program of study in consultation with the major advisor and graduate committee; complete a minimum of three credit hours in adult education, three hours in research methods, and three hours in statistics; complete a minimum of 12 credit hours in the major field; and complete a minimum of six credit hours in an area of concentration outside the major field.
A minimum of 30 credit hours is required for the professional degree. At least one-half of these credit hours must be selected from courses numbered 700 or above. The student's program of study must be approved by the advisory committee.
Admission Requirements
Students must complete all University application requirements; have an undergraduate grade-point ratio of 3.0 on the last 60 hours of the bachelor's degree; participate in an interview with a departmental graduate committee; submit a written sample on a topic assigned by the interview committee; and submit acceptable GRE scores. Students with overall grade-point ratios of 2.51?2.9 will be required to take the GRE and complete six hours of graduate coursework with a grade-point ratio of 4.0.
Note: Additional undergraduate coursework may be required to obtain teacher certification.
Animal physiology is a graduate program developed and offered by faculty in the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences. Applicants should have a strong background in the animal, biological, and physical sciences. Students with deficiencies in these sciences may be admitted provided they correct these deficiencies during the first year of the program of study.
Students enrolled in the MS program are required to complete coursework in areas of the student's interest as approved by the graduate advisory committee. The student's academic program and research emphasize a study of physiological processes, particularly those relating to reproduction, endocrinology, immunology, digestion, and environmental factors. A thesis or dissertation is required.
The PhD degree does not have formal coursework requirements, but it is recognized that students will have individual deficiencies; therefore, it is the responsibility of the student and his/her major advisor, in consultation with the graduate advisory committee, to prescribe coursework to correct these deficiencies. All students majoring in Animal Physiology are required to complete AN PH 851.
The following courses offered by various departments represent possible electives for the student in animal physiology: AVS 600, 653, 655, 661, 803, 825, BIOCH 606, 623, 633, 634, 815, BIOSC 632, 633, 659, 660, 661, 668, 670, 671, 672, 675, 676, 677, (AVS) 680, ENT (BIOSC) 636, EX ST 801, 803, 805, MICRO (AVS, BIOSC) 614, 811.
The graduate program in Applied Economics utilizes the facilities and faculty of the Department of Applied Economics and Statistics and the Department of Economics in the College of Business and Behavioral Science. Students may carry out their dissertation research under the direction of a faculty member from either department. See College of Business and Behavioral Science for the complete program.
Doctor of Philosophy
Enrollment in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program is open to students with baccalaureate degrees in agricultural, biological, or physical sciences or engineering. Entering students must have satisfactory academic records in mathematical, physical, and biological sciences. Students with deficiencies may be admitted but will be required to correct these deficiencies during the first year.
Attendance and participation in departmental seminars are mandatory for all graduate students.
The core of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program consists of BIOCH 631, 632, 633, 634, and 636 (12 total credit hours). All students are expected to complete these courses if they have not had equivalent courses at another accredited institution.
In addition to core courses, the MS degree requires a minimum of 14 credit hours of coursework. At least eight of these 800-level creditsincluding two credits of BIOCH (GEN) 851must be in biochemistry courses. Two of the following courses are required: BIOCH 815, 822, 831, 841. A minimum of six credit hours of MS research, culminating in a thesis, is required.
Students enrolled in the MS program are required to complete coursework in areas of the student's interest as approved by the graduate advisory committee. The student's academic program and research emphasize a study of physiological processes, particularly those relating to reproduction, endocrinology, immunology, digestion, and environmental factors. A thesis or dissertation is required.
The PhD degree does not have formal coursework requirements, but it is recognized that students will have individual deficiencies; therefore, it is the responsibility of the student and his/her major advisor, in consultation with the graduate advisory committee, to prescribe coursework to correct these deficiencies. All students majoring in Animal Physiology are required to complete AN PH 851.
The following courses offered by various departments represent possible electives for the student in animal physiology: AVS 600, 653, 655, 661, 803, 825, BIOCH 606, 623, 633, 634, 815, BIOSC 632, 633, 659, 660, 661, 668, 670, 671, 672, 675, 676, 677, (AVS) 680, ENT (BIOSC) 636, EX ST 801, 803, 805, MICRO (AVS, BIOSC) 614, 811.
This program is administered jointly with the College of Engineering and Science.
The Entomology graduate programs of the Department of Entomology, Soils, and Plant Sciences are dedicated to providing leadership in environmental entomology. Research programs fall into four emphasis areas: arthropod biodiversity, agricultural entomology, genetics and biotechnology, and urban entomology. Facilities of the South Carolina Experiment Station on campus and at four research and education centers located in various regions of the state are available for graduate student research. In addition to teaching and research laboratories, specialized facilities within the department include the Clemson University Arthropod Collection; laboratories for molecular genetics, tissue culture, and analytical chemistry/toxicology; wet laboratories; controlled and ambient temperature insect-rearing facilities; a free-flight butterfly facility; and greenhouses. Candidates for the MS degree must complete 30 hours of graduate credit, including six hours of research, and write a thesis. Candidates for the PhD degree must complete 18 hours of dissertation research and write a dissertation.
Environmental toxicology is the scientific study of chemical, physical, and biological stimuli in environments and the effects of these stimuli on living systems and their external and internal physical, chemical, and biological integrity. Emphases include the metabolism of contaminants, their decomposition, fate, and effects in aquatic and terrestrial environments. This interdisciplinary program provides a strong background in fundamental environmental toxicology and ecotoxicology. The program is administered jointly with the College of Engineering and Science.
Students with a baccalaureate degree in the basic and life sciences, agriculture, or engineering may be admitted. Strong faculty expertise and areas of student specialization are available in wildlife toxicology, environmental chemistry, biochemical and mechanistic toxicology, ecological modeling, ecological risk assessment, and biological control. Each student's research program is designed to meet his/her professional goals.
Candidates for the MS degree must complete 30 hours of graduate credit, including six hours of research, and write a thesis. Candidates for the PhD degree must complete 18 hours of dissertation research and write a dissertation.
Graduate research programs are conducted in conjunction with the Clemson Institute of Environmental Toxicology, providing a unique and innovative environment for graduate education. Collaborative research opportunities exist nationally and internationally with other universities, state and federal agencies, and industrial groups.
Detailed information is available from the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition or on the Web.
Admission Requirements
Students admitted to the MS program in Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Sciences must meet the criteria outlined below. Students not meeting the minimum admission requirements may be admitted in a provisional status with the approval of the graduate faculty.
1. The Aptitude Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE General Test) must be taken by all applicants. A minimum total GRE score of 1000 on the two-component exam is required. In some cases other tests administered for students applying for postbaccalaureate degrees may be accepted in lieu of the GRE (e.g., MCAT).
2. A strong background in food science; human nutrition; physical, chemical, or biological sciences; or engineering is highly desirable.
3. Proficiency in food science must be demonstrated by satisfactory completion of coursework in the following areas: food chemistry, food microbiology, food processing, and biochemistry. Background course requirements will normally be satisfied with completion of a BS degree in Food Science from an accredited institution. Students deficient in any of these areas will be required to complete coursework to fulfill these background course requirements.
4. Acceptance is based upon academic transcripts with a minimum undergraduate grade-point ratio of 3.0, three letters of recommendation, a statement of objectives and professional experience.
5. International students must have a minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 575. International applicants must also submit documentation of adequate financial support for their studies.
6. An additional requirement for admission is identification of a research advisor prepared to accept the applicant as an advisee.
Financial Aid
A limited number of research assistantships are available from grant funds, with the student assisting in the research supported under the grant. This research often may be applicable to the thesis or dissertation. Interested applicants should contact individual faculty for research assistantships. Applicants whose files are completed prior to February 15, 2005, will be given preferential consideration for research assistantships offered beginning fall semester 2005.
Transfer of Credits
With pre-approval, up to eight graduate credits may be transferred into the MS program. A grade of B or better is required in each course transferred.
Course Requirements
A minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework and six credit hours of thesis research (FD SC 891) is required for the graduate degree. Only 600-level courses and higher may be used for graduate credit, and at least one-half of the 24 hours of coursework must be at the 800-level or higher.
The following courses are required: EX ST 801 or equivalent, FD SC 851 (one-credit hour seminar each spring), 18 credit hours of advanced-level courses (may include courses in food science or in areas such as chemistry, nutrition, biochemistry, animal and veterinary sciences, microbiology, statistics, or cell biology, as required by the student's Graduate Advisory Committee), and six credit hours of thesis research (FD SC 891).
In addition, a minimum grade-point ratio of 3.0 is required to maintain good academic standing and for graduation.
DIETETIC INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The MS/Dietetic Internship is a 24-month program of graduate study that integrates didactic and practice experiences into a single curriculum. The program requires students to write a proposal, conduct research, and document the results in a thesis. The program admits ten students per year and provides unique opportunities to study advanced nutrition and dietetics in the classroom as well as in a variety of affiliated healthcare facilities. The Clemson University Dietetic Internship Program provides an emphasis in the Community area of practice. The program is developmentally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE).
At the completion of the degree, graduates receive a Master of Science degree in Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Sciences and a Verification Statement making them eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians to become a Registered Dietitian (RD).
The dietetic internship component is approximately eight months in length and begins in May. The internship provides over 1,000 hours of supervised practice experiences to meet the core competencies for dietitians. Affiliation sites for the rotations include hospitals, long term care facilities, clinics, community agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Most facilities are within a 50-mile radius of Clemson.
Admission Requirements
Students admitted to the MS/Dietetic Internship Program must meet the following criteria:
1. Completion of a CADE-approved Didactic Program in Dietetic confirmed via a Verification Statement.
2. Minimum undergraduate grade-point ratio of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
3. Work or volunteer experience in the food service, community, or nutrition area.
4. GRE test score greater than 1000 on the two-component exam (verbal and quantitative), with a minimum score of 350 on each component, or minimum GRE score of 1350 on the three-component exam.
5. Accepted students must have reliable, insured transportation; show proof of health and liability insurance; show proof of required immunizations including Hepatitis A and B; and must be willing to travel to the assigned rotation facilities.
In addition to applying to the Clemson University Graduate School, applicants must apply to the MS/Dietetic Internship Program. This application packet must include the following:
1. A business-style, typed, formal letter of application, two?three pages in length, which includes the applicant's reason for applying to the program and reasons for entering the dietic profession, personal strengths and areas for improvement, work and volunteer experiences, research goals, and short and long-term career goals.
2. A completed ADA Supervised Practice Program Application form.
3. Three letters of referencetwo from professors and one from employer or preceptor from a volunteer activity using the ADA Recommendation Form.
4. Official transcripts from all colleges attended.
5. Verification Statement or Declaration of Intent form completed by Didactic Program in Dietetics director.
Computer Matching
Applicants to Dietetic Internships must participate in computer matching. Applicants should request instructions and materials from any CADE-accredited/approved Didactic Program in Dietetics or from D&D Digital Systems, Inc. D&D Digital will notify applicants regarding the computer matching results.
4 - EX ST 801 Statistical Methods
4 - FD SC 815 Food Service Systems Management
4 - NUTR 803 Advanced Human Nutrition
12
Second Semester
3 - NUTR 804 Nutrition Education of the Public
3 - NUTR 805 Metabolic Basis of Medical Nutrition Therapy
3 - Elective1
9
3 - NUTR 806 Dietetic Internship2
Second Semester
3 - FD SC 891 Master's Thesis Research
3 - Elective1
6
36 Total Semester Hours
1Select graduate courses of choice from a recommended list
available from advisor. Elective courses may be completed in the business,
management, health science, psychology, or food science areas, as approved
or deemed necessary by the individual student's advisory committee.
2Students must maintain an overall 3.0 grade-point ratio
to proceed to the dietetic internship (NUTR 806). The internship is composed
of the following rotations: orientation (one week), clinical rotations
(11 weeks), food service rotations (ten weeks), community rotations (ten
weeks), and specialized rotations (three weeks).
Under this plan, students may reduce the time necessary to earn both degrees by applying graduate credits to both undergraduate and graduate program requirements. Currently students wishing to participate in the Dietietic Internship MS degree program must first complete a BS.
Enrollment guidelines and procedures can be found under Academic Regulations. Consult the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition for details.
There are no set course requirements for the doctorate in Food Technology. It is expected that each PhD graduate will have a comprehensive understanding of the principles of food science with an expanded knowledge covering their focused research area. The PhD candidate's research committee will have final approval on all coursework. PhD candidates must pass both written and oral examinations given by the student's advisory committee. The successful student must also write a research dissertation and defend that dissertation to the satisfaction of the advisory committee.
PhD students are required to pass a written and oral qualifying exam administered by the advisory committee. PhD students are also required to pass a final oral dissertation defense.
Dissertations
Dissertations are usually longer and also normally contain a review of the literature. PhD students should expect to publish a minimum of two refereed research manuscripts from their dissertations.
Enrollment in the Master of Forest Resources and Master of Science programs is open to students who have earned a baccalaureate degree in forestry, forest products, or a related field. A master's degree, preferably in a forestry discipline, is required for enrollment in the Doctor of Philosophy program. The candidate may be required to satisfy undergraduate deficiencies before being admitted to full status.
The Master of Forest Resources, a nonthesis degree, requires a minimum of 36 credit hours of graduate coursework with at least 18 of the required hours selected from courses numbered 700 or above.
A formal thesis is required for the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The Master of Science degree requires a minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework and six hours of research. The Doctor of Philosophy degree requires a minimum of 16 credit hours of coursework and 18 hours of research. For both degrees, one-half of the semester hours must be selected from courses numbered 800 and above.
The MS and PhD degrees in Genetics are administered by the Department of Genetics, Biochemistry, and Life Science Studies. Research activities include biochemical, biometrical, molecular, and population genetics, as well as bioinformatics, breeding, cytogenetics, and structural and functional genomics through arrangements with other participating disciplines and with the Greenwood Genetics Center.
Applicants to the program must have a bachelor's or master's degree, chemistry through organic or biochemistry, physics, mathematics through calculus, and biology including introductory genetics. Students with more than 18 hours of deficiencies will be admitted as postbaccalaureate enrollees until eligibility for graduate status is attained.
GEN (BIOSC) 616 and 814 are required of all students. In addition, four of the following courses must be completed for the MS or PhD degree: AVS 670, BIOCH 841, BIOSC (GEN, MICRO) 618, (GEN, HORT) 665, CSENV 605, GEN 812, 815, MICRO 615. Other 800-level courses pertinent to the program of study and research are planned by the student and advisory committee to provide the student with a comprehensive knowledge of genetics.
The MS degree requires completion of 30 credit hours including 24 hours of coursework, six hours of research, and a research thesis. Twelve of the required 24 hours of coursework must be 800-level courses. The PhD degree requires 18 hours of doctoral research credit, a research dissertation, and a minimum of 24 hours of coursework beyond the bachelor's degree. The major advisor supervises the research project to ensure that it meets the standards of the department. This advisor and the student's advisory committee, together with the student, choose the coursework. If the major advisor is not a member of the department, the student, with consultation from the committee, will select a committee chair who has a major appointment with the Genetics, Biochemistry, and Life Science Studies Department.
Graduate work in microbiology requires sound undergraduate training in the biological and physical sciences. This training may be received in an undergraduate program in biology (botany, microbiology, or zoology), chemistry, or in one of the agricultural sciences. Undergraduate work in bacteriology or microbiology is desirable but not necessary.
All students complete a curriculum that ensures a sound knowledge of the basic areas of microbiology including at least three of the following: bacterial physiology and metabolism, molecular genetics, pathogenic microbiology, virology, immunology and molecular medicine, or applied and environmental microbiology. The program is selected by the student with the guidance and approval of an advisory committee.
Candidates for the MS degree must complete 30 hours of graduate credit, including six hours of research, and present and defend a thesis based on original research.
Candidates for the PhD degree must complete a core curriculum and 18 credit hours of dissertation research and present and defend a dissertation based on original research. Research disciplines include biomedical research (pathogenic microbiology, immunology, gene therapy, cancer, endocrinology); food safety (molecular biology and production of bacteriocins); and environmental microbiology (bioremediation, rhizosphere microbiology).
The MS degree program in Packaging Science prepares graduates to work independently in the research, development, and application of new packaging materials and processes. Students may be accepted with backgrounds relating to chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, or engineering. Students with backgrounds in business or graphic communications or other disciplines may also be accepted after completing courses equivalent to the basic science and mathematics courses in the department's undergraduate curriculum. Each degree program is designed individually to augment the student's background to provide a broad understanding of packaging science and specialized knowledge in the area of the student's research.
The MS degree in Packaging Science requires 30 hours of coursework, six of which are thesis research, and the completion of an acceptable MS thesis. In addition to PKGSC 891, students register for at least one credit of PKGSC 851.
The following courses offered by various departments represent possible electives for the student in packaging science: C M E 815, CH E 612, 804, EX ST 801, 802, FD SC 601, 602, 604, 606, 608, 810, 811, 812, G C 606, 607, 648, MKT 627, 630.
The degree programs in Plant and Environmental Sciences are offered through an interdepartmental program comprised of faculty from disciplines including biological sciences, botany, crop science, entomology, genetics, horticulture, plant pathology, plant physiology, and soil science.
Candidates for the program in Plant and Environmental Sciences should have a strong undergraduate background in the biological, agricultural, and/or physical sciences as appropriate to their focus areas. Undergraduate curricula that may provide this background are botany, biology, chemistry, or one of the agricultural plant and soil environmental sciences such as agronomy, forest resources, or horticulture. Students with nontraditional backgrounds may need to complete some relevant undergraduate courses to supplement the graduate program.
Each student's degree program is tailored to his/her professional goals and is guided by an advisor and graduate committee with expertise appropriate to the student's area of specialization. All graduate students must select an advisor before admission.
Candidates for the MS degree must complete 24 credit hours of coursework and six hours of research, and they must present and defend a thesis based on original research. MS students who plan nonre-search-related careers in public gardening, landscape design, extension, consulting, or agribusiness may complete 30 credit hours of coursework and undertake a professional development/public service project option in lieu of thesis-related research. Interdisciplinary studies in plant health and integrated pest management are also available under this option.
A dissertation based on original research is required for the PhD degree. There is no specific credit hour requirement; the plan of coursework is based on the student's interests and dissertation emphasis, as determined in consultation with the major advisor and graduate committee.
Individual plans of study include courses from the following areas: biochemistry, biological sciences, botany, crop and soil environmental science, entomology, genetics, horticulture, and plant pathology as well as plant and enivornmental sciences.
Those who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology should have sound undergraduate training in the biological or related sciences. Initially, applicants should contact the faculty members whose research interests are closest to their own. Programs of study are designed to emphasize relationships between wild animals and their changing environments and production of aquatic organisms.
Admission to either the master's program or the doctoral program requires acceptance by the University and the Graduate Student Admission Committee of Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. This committee will base its acceptance recommendation to the Admissions Office on previous coursework, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, undergraduate background, and current research interests. Students are required to have completed a bachelor's degree, preferably in a natural science, with a minimum of 30 credit hours in natural sciences. In addition, an MS in natural resource biology or related area usually is preferred, but not required, for acceptance into the doctoral program. Students accepted without the appropriate course background will be required to make up these deficiencies as outlined by the Graduate Student Admission Committee and consistent with University admission policies.
Requirements for the MS in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology include 24 credit hours of coursework, six hours of research credits (W F B 891), an acceptable thesis based on original research, and satisfactory performance on a final oral examination. Additional coursework usually includes subjects such as experimental statistics, biological sciences, and forestry. Thesis research areas include aquaculture, conservation biology, upland and wetland wildlife biology, endangered species biology, freshwater fisheries science, and marine fisheries science.
There are no specific credit hour requirements beyond 30 credit hours of postbaccalaureate course-work and 19 hours of doctoral dissertation research for the PhD in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology; however, the student's advisory committee will insist on a rigorous and appropriate program of study and research. Students are required to take, or have taken, at least two semesters of graduate statistics and two semesters of 800-level seminars in fisheries and wildlife science or related areas. Students must also have a minimum of one semester of professional experience, which will be evaluated by the student's advisory committee. Examples of appropriate professional experience are teaching assistantships, internships or cooperative study program participation, or natural resource agency employment. Other course requirements will be identified by the student's advisory committee and will include specific courses according to the elected emphasis area. The three emphasis areas are fisheries biology, wildlife biology, and conservation biology.
Research opportunities for graduate students are enhanced by cooperative programs with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Cooperative Research Unit at Clemson, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Webb Wildlife Research Center, and Waddell Mariculture Center. The department also is associated with the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement Eastern Wildlife Program. The graduate program in Wildlife Biology is accredited by the Southeastern Section of the Wildlife Society.
The MS and PhD degrees in Zoology are administered by the Department of Biological Sciences. Research areas include cell and developmental biology, vertebrate and invertebrate biology, ichthyology, herpetology, mammalogy, ornithology, behavior, biomechanics, conservation biology, population biology, molecular biology, plant ecology and taxonomy, animal ecology, restoration ecology, evolution, population genetics, comparative immunology, physiology, and toxicology.
Applicants to the graduate degree programs in Zoology must have a bachelor's or master's degree and a sound background in biology. All students are expected to have completed inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, calculus, introductory biology, plant or animal diversity, genetics, cell or developmental biology, physiology, and ecology. Deficiencies (less than 18 hours total) may be remedied through appropriate coursework completed during the graduate program. Graduate credit is not normally awarded for remedial coursework. Students with more than 18 hours of deficiencies, including those with degrees outside of biology, are encouraged to contact the Department of Biological Sciences to discuss options for fulfilling coursework requirements in preparation for application to the MS and PhD programs.
Students seeking the Master of Science degree in Zoology may select either a thesis or nonthesis option. Requirements for the thesis option include 24 credit hours of coursework, six hours of research, an acceptable thesis, and satisfactory performance in a final oral examination. Requirements for the nonthesis option include 36 credit hours of coursework and satisfactory performance on a final comprehensive examination.
Requirements for the PhD degree include written and oral comprehensive examinations, research, a dissertation, and satisfactory performance in a final oral defense. Although there is no required coursework for the doctorate beyond 18 credit hours of research, breadth and depth of preparation in the life sciences are expected of each candidate. The PhD degree requires, in addition to the core courses, four credits of BIOCH (GEN) 851 for students coming directly from the undergraduate degree or two credits of BIOCH (GEN) 851 for students already having MS degrees. The program also requires three of the following courses: BIOCH 815, 822, 831, 841. Successful completion of written and oral comprehensive examinations (before six semesters in residence) will admit the student to candidacy for the PhD degree.