2012-2013 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Nov 25, 2024  
2012-2013 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Biological Sciences


 

Program Description

Master of Science

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; Health and Nutrition Science; Natural Resource Management, Pharmaceutical Sciences; Plant Science, 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.

Doctor of Philosophy

This is a cooperative program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biological Sciences. Departments that cooperate in the program are Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Animal Science, Biology and Microbiology, Dairy Science, Health and Nutrition Science, Natural Resource Management, Plant Science, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, at South Dakota State University.

The masters and doctoral programs allow for considerable latitude in the education and training of students. The plan of study can 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 represented within one of the participating departments, cross-discipline training is available. Generally, identification of a major professor with resources to support the student’s dissertation project is required for unconditional acceptance into the program. Therefore, interested persons should make application for program admission well in advance of the anticipated date of enrollment. 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.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees


Master of Science: Option A (Thesis required)
  Option B (Research paper required in Biology specialization)
Doctor of Philosophy: 60 Credit Plan
  90 Credit Plan

 

Core Requirements


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.

Masters of Science


Option A

  •   Credits: 2 
  •   Credits: 5-10
  • 3 or more credits of STAT courses numbered 500-level or higher
  • 6 additional course credits, designed to meet the interests and individual needs of the student

Option B

Doctor of Philosophy


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.)

General Requirements (Master’s and PhD)


Graduate students must consult with their advisor before registering for graduate work.

For additional information see Masters Degree Requirements  and Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements .

Course Offerings


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; Biology and Microbiology; Chemistry and Biochemistry; Dairy Science; Health and Nutrition Science; Natural Resource Management; Pharmaceutical Sciences; Plant Science, and Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences.