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Biology

Applying to a Combination Degree Program

Eligibility to Apply for Approval of the Individual Program Plan

No later than the spring semester of the third (junior) year, and while the student still has at least 12 credits of major coursework remaining to be completed that are appropriate for substitution, the student must apply for approval of their Individual Program Plan (IPP). This includes completing a “Combination Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Request” form. At this point, the student must meet the following criteria:

  1. The student is in an eligible track in the Biology major degree program (Applied Biology, Biotechnology, Natural Science, or Pre-Professional tracks) or the Botany major degree program (Botanical Research track). Students in the Biology major Integrative Biology track or the Botany major General Botany track must switch to an eligible track.
  2. The student has completed all critical-tracking requirements in the BS degree program.
  3. The student has a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 and minimum upper division GPA of 3.3.
  4. The student has completed at least 3 credits of mentored research (e.g., through BSC 4910 and BSC 4912) or has equivalent research experience (as determined by the Combination Degree Coordinator).
  5. The student 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, as listed in the Specific Program Requirements
  7. A faculty member in the relevant graduate program has agreed to serve as the student’s faculty research mentor.
  8. The student has submitted copies of the “Questionnaire for Aligning Expectations in Mentoring Relationships” (completed by themself and their faculty research mentor) to the Combination Degree Coordinator.
  9. The student has submitted a completed “Combination Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Request” form to the Combination Degree Coordinator.

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. The application process will typically occur in the fall semester of the student’s fourth (senior) year, or as soon as the student is on track to graduate with a BS degree prior to the following fall semester. 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 Botany, Medical Sciences, or Zoology. Students intending to apply to the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology MS program should consult with the Graduate Coordinator of that program to determine whether GRE scores are required, and if so when to schedule the exam.