Biology

Combination Bachelor’s and Master’s (BS/MS) Degree Request Form

Eligibility to Apply for Approval of the Combined Degree Program

Students must apply no later than the spring semester of the third (junior) year (though advanced students may apply earlier) and have at least 12 credits of undergraduate major coursework remaining suitable for substitution with graduate coursework.

1. Must be in an eligible track in the Biology major (Applied Biology, Biotechnology, Natural Science, or Pre-Professional) or the Botany major (Botanical Research track). Students in the Integrative Biology track or the Botany major General Botany track must switch to an eligible track.
2. Completed all critical-tracking requirements in the BS degree program.
3. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 and minimum upper division GPA of 3.3.
4. Completed at least 3 credits of mentored research (e.g., through BSC 4910 and BSC 4912) or has equivalent research experience.
5. Has at least 12 credits of coursework remaining to be completed in the BS degree program that are eligible for substitution with graduate courses.
6. Completion of any additional prerequisites for the specific program.
7. A faculty member in the desired graduate program has agreed to serve as the student’s faculty research mentor.
8. Completion of Combination Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Request with assistance from the Graduate Coordinator and undergraduate advisor. This form is filed with the registrar upon completion.

Eligibility Requirements for the Graduate Program

Approval of the “Combination Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Request” and completion of graduate courses as an undergraduate DO NOT guarantee admission to the MS degree program. Each BS/MS degree program student must apply to the relevant MS degree program and be accepted to that program by the deadline during the semester prior to their expected BS graduation semester. The application process will typically occur in the fall semester of the student’s fourth (senior) year. At this time the student applies to MS degree program they must meet the following criteria:

1. The student’s faculty research mentor has agreed to serve as the student’s graduate advisor.
2. The student is on track to complete the BS degree prior to beginning the MS degree program.
3. The student meets all requirements for admission to the relevant graduate program, as established by the Graduate School and the graduate program. Note that a GRE score is not required for application or admission to the MS degree programs in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical Sciences, Botany or Zoology.
4. Student submits application to relevant graduate program by deadline. Each program has a specific deadline in late Fall to early Spring semester of the student’s final year as an undergraduate.