Apr 19, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biological Sciences, MS


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Program Description


The MS and PhD degree programs in Biological Sciences encompass a wide variety of disciplines in both plant and animal biology with three major emphasis areas: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology, and Comparative Organismal Biology.

Applicants to the graduate degree programs in Biological Sciences must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree and a background of training in biology. All students are expected to have completed inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, calculus, biology, organismal diversity, genetics, and evolutionary biology.

Both a thesis and a non-thesis option are offered. For more information, please visit https://www.clemson.edu/science/departments/biosci/academics/graduate/index.html.

The non-thesis option of the MS is designed specifically for teachers and other science educators who want to improve their science-content knowledge in biological sciences. Ninety-five percent of our students are employed teachers at all levels, as well as scientists from museums, field stations, and research laboratories. Applicants do not need an undergraduate degree in biology to be considered for admission. An overall undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 is recommended by the Graduate School. GRE scores are not required for teachers with 1 or more years teaching experience. For more information specifically about the non-thesis option, please visit: https://www.clemson.edu/science/departments/biosci/academics/online-masters/index.html.

Summary of Degree Requirements


Thesis Option

The Biological Sciences MS thesis option requires 30 credits after the undergraduate degree, with six hours of thesis research and 24 hours of coursework, half of which must be at the 8000 level. In addition to coursework, the student must perform original research, prepare and present a written research proposal and defend their thesis.

Non-Thesis Option

The non-thesis program consists of ten three credit-hour courses. Seven of the ten required courses are science content courses. The other three courses cover how to design an experiment and statistically analyze data, how to write publications and grant proposals, and how to conduct research. Students may take the courses in any sequence; however, it is recommended that students complete a few biology-content courses before enrolling in BIOL 8400, and that you complete BIOL 8400 before enrolling in BIOL 8480 and BIOL 8490. Lectures and assignments are available via Clemson’s online student information platform, Canvas, and are available 24/7. 

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