Biology Scholars Plan: Linked BS-MS Degree Plans in Biology

The Biology Scholars Plan combines the BS and MS degree plans in Biology or Biotechnology with the intention of allowing highly motivated and qualified students to complete both the BS and MS degrees in a time and cost efficient manner. Students in the plan may take up to four courses at the graduate level in their senior year if they have completed the required course prerequisites. These graduate credit hours may be applied toward either the BS or MS degree, but not both. Additionally, students in the Scholars Plan are expected to begin a graduate research project early in their studies. After admission to the Scholars Plan and successful completion of the BS degree in Biology, the Biology or Biotechnology Program Graduate Admissions committee will consider waiving the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) requirement for admission.

• Applicants may apply for admission to the program during their sophomore, junior, or senior year in college.
• Applicants must declare themselves to be Biology majors immediately upon admission.
• Applicants must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours in Math/Science coursework at the lower level, including a minimum of 8 credit hours in biology, and have a cumulative Math/Science GPA of 3.5.
• Applicants must provide a letter of recommendation from a science faculty advisor familiar with the student’s coursework.
• Applicants must interview with the Scholars Plan Admissions Committee.

• Maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 and Math/Science GPA of 3.0. Failure to maintain these averages will result in a one-semester probation period during which the student must improve their cumulative GPA to 3.0, and their Math/Science GPA to 3.0.
• Participate in a research project as an Independent Study course under the supervision of a graduate faculty advisor during the senior undergraduate year.
• Enroll in the Biology or Biotechnology Graduate Program upon completion of the requirements for the BS degree.
• Successfully complete a research project as an Independent Study or graduate thesis under the supervision of a graduate faculty advisor as part of their MS degree coursework.

Students who fail to meet any of these requirements will be dropped from the Scholars Plan, but may continue to pursue the BS or MS degree. Students who are dropped from the Scholars Program, but who wish to continue to pursue the MS degree, must meet the standard application requirements for admission to the Biology or Biotechnology Graduate Program.

At the completion of the requirements for each degree the student will be awarded the BS and MS degrees. A notation will be made on the student’s transcript indicating they have completed the Biology Scholars Plan.

In the event a student is unable to complete the entire program of study, they are assured the BS degree in Biology upon completion of the requirements for that degree. In the event a student fails to complete the MS degree requirements, graduate level classes taken while in the program may be applied towards the BS degree.