Biological Sciences (MS)

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This is a collaborative graduate program leading to the Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences. Departments that cooperate in the program are the Departments of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering; Biology and Microbiology; Dairy Science; Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape and Parks; Nutrition, Food Science and Hospitality; Pharmaceutical Sciences; and Veterinary Science.

Students interested in advanced studies in the biological sciences will have the opportunity to tailor a program that meets their interest by selecting courses offered by faculty from the participating departments. Each student’s plan will be developed in consultation with the student’s major advisor and graduate advisory committee. The Option A plan of study, including a common core of 5-10 credits of thesis, 2 credits of seminar and 6 additional course credits, will be designed to meet the interests and individual needs of the student. While the training of most students is largely directed to a single discipline, cross-discipline training is available and encouraged. Generally, identification of a major professor with resources to support the student’s thesis project is required for unconditional acceptance into the program.

Please refer to each departmental section for a listing of the graduate faculty and details regarding the areas of study offered in this program. Inquiries should be made directly to the department representing the discipline of interest.

Bioenergy and Sustainable Technology Certificate

The graduate certificate program in Bioenergy and Sustainable Technology (BST) has been developed to support continuing education needs of the workforce in industries related to biofuels, renewable products, and associated technologies. The consortium offering the certificate is affiliated with AG IDEA and is governed by its structure.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science:	Option A (Thesis required)
	Option B (Research paper required; Biology, Veterinary Microbiology and Veterinary Pathology specializations only)

Core Requirements

Option A
Students required to take BIOS 798 Thesis for five to ten (5-10) credits and XXX 790 Seminar for two (2) credits (two (2) semesters of one (1) credit each).

Option B
Students required to take BIOS 790 Seminar for two (2) credits and either BIOL 788, BIOS 788, or VET 788 for a minimum of two - three (2-3) credits.

Also required, minimum of 3 credits of STAT courses numbered 500-level or higher

Advisory Committee

The student, major advisor and Advisory Committee select the discipline specific emphasis area of the biological sciences. The courses will be identified on the student’s Plan of Study no later than the end of the first year of study.

Courses

The listing of courses is available within the departments participating in graduate education in the sciences at SDSU. The departments that courses are expected to be routinely selected from include Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering; Animal and Range Sciences; Biology and Microbiology; Chemistry and Biochemistry; Dairy Science; Horticulture, Landscape and Parks; Nutrition, Food Science and Hospitality; Pharmaceutical Sciences; Plant Science; and Veterinary Science.

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: required score of 525 paper-based, 197 computer-based, 71 Internet-based
(Individual departments may have different requirements for GRE and TOEFL.)

Course Offerings

Biological Sciences (BIOS) Courses