Program Overview

Master of Science in Microbiology

The Master of Science in Microbiology is a graduate degree program designed for students preparing for professional careers in industry and government, as well as for further studies at the doctoral level. This degree can also be utilized for a community college teaching credential when combined with appropriate courses in education.

Admission to the Department

To be admitted to the Master of Science in Microbiology program, students must meet the following prerequisites:

• A faculty member in the department must agree to serve as the thesis advisor for the student prior to their acceptance into the M.S. program.
• A bachelor's degree in the biological or related sciences from an accredited institution. Students with alternative undergraduate degrees will be considered, but they will likely be assigned deficiency courses by the Thesis Advisor in consultation with the Graduate Advisor.
• An undergraduate GPA in all completed science and mathematics courses of at least 2.70 OR a GPA of at least 3.00 in the last 40 semester (60 quarter) units of science and mathematics courses completed.
• The GRE General Test must have been taken prior to applying to the Department. The applicant should score in the 50th percentile or better in Verbal and Quantitative sections. If either the GRE Verbal or Quantitative score (but not both) is below the 50th percentile, the student may be considered for acceptance if their respective undergraduate grades in English or Math are a B average or better. The GRE must have been taken within five years prior to the intended admission date.
• Applicants without a degree within a field of the biological sciences must also take the GRE Biology or Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Subject Test. A score of 50th percentile or better on the GRE Subject Test in Biology, or Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology must be achieved.

Application

Prospective graduate students in M.S. in Microbiology must formally apply for admission to the university and also apply directly to the Department of Biological Sciences. All applicants must submit the following documents directly to the Department by the deadline:

1. Departmental Application Form
2. A one-page essay describing why the applicant wishes to obtain an M.S. degree in Microbiology and how this relates to their career objectives
3. Unofficial transcripts of all college-level academic work
4. Three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's academic performance, as well as research and teaching potential
5. Official report of the GRE General Test scores

Review by the Graduate Studies Committee

The Graduate Studies Committee will review all completed applications received by the deadlines. Admission into the M.S. Program in Microbiology is competitive, with an applicant's college GPA, GRE Test scores, one-page essay, and letters of recommendation weighed in the decision to accept or decline.

Admission to the Department of Biological Sciences as a Classified Graduate Student

The Department of Biological Sciences may admit as a Classified Graduate Student any applicant who:

1. Has met all prerequisites
2. Has a complete application folder
3. Has obtained acceptance by a faculty member to serve as their Thesis Advisor

The Thesis Proposal

After admission to the Department as a Classified Graduate Student, the student, in consultation with the Thesis Advisor, must prepare their Thesis Proposal and Program of Study. The Thesis Proposal must include a thorough review of relevant primary literature, clearly define the experiments proposed for the research, and include preliminary data if available.

The Program of Study

The Program of Study must include completion of a minimum of 30 semester units. At least 21 of these units must be in the 500-600 level courses. Required courses include:

• BIOL 371 or an upper division/graduate course in genetics
• BIOL 471 or an upper division/graduate course in cell physiology
• BIOL 580
• BIOL 661 (two enrollments with different topics for a total of 4 units)
• BIOL 696A (3 units)
• BIOL 696B (3 units)
• BIOL 697 (maximum 3 units)
• BIOL 698 (6 units)

Advancement to Candidacy

To advance to candidacy, the student must:

1. Be admitted to the Department of Biological Sciences' Master's Degree program as a Classified Graduate Student
2. Have their Thesis Proposal and Program of Study accepted by the Thesis Committee
3. Make satisfactory academic progress
4. Satisfy the Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)

Requirements for the Master of Science in Microbiology

To receive the degree of Master of Science in Microbiology, the student must:

1. Advance to Master's Candidate status
2. Maintain a 3.00 ("B" average) or better overall GPA and graduate program GPA
3. Successfully complete a written thesis and public defense followed by a private defense with the Thesis Committee
4. Serve as a Teaching Associate or Graduate Assistant (this requirement may be waived under some circumstances)

Graduate Programs in Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences offers the following graduate programs:

• Master of Science in Biology
• Master of Science in Microbiology

Undergraduate Programs in Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences offers the following undergraduate programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Biology
• Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology
• Bachelor of Science in Microbiology
• Bachelor of Science Degree with Honors in Biology, Marine Biology, or Microbiology
• Minor in Biology
• Minor in Physiology
• Minor in Microbiology
• Certificate Program in Biomedical Art
• Certificate in Biotechnology