Welcome to the Biological Sciences Graduate Program

Our regular session programs include an MA Biological Sciences and three MS programs (concentrations: Molecular Biology and Microbiology; Systems Physiology; and Ecology and Evolution (Click here for descriptions). We also offer two special programs (Master of Biotechnology and Stem Cell Internships in Laboratory Based Learning).

Generally, the MS programs (Plan A - Thesis) take longer than the MA program(Plan B). The average time for the former is 6-7 semesters, but it can take much longer if students work at other jobs while pursuing their degree. The maximum time allowed for either degree program is seven years starting with the first course taken. The unit and course requirements can be found in the campus catalog. Check with the Graduate Studies Office and website for the important deadlines for submission of the graduate contract to advance to candidacy, for application to graduate, and for submission of the master's thesis.

MS Project Option

Beginning in Fall 2016, MS students in the Department of Biological Sciences will have the option to pursue their degree via either the project or thesis options. The approved project option involves writing a manuscript, properly formatted for publication in a professional journal, and having this manuscript approved by your committee. The manuscript is not subject to the deadlines imposed by Graduate Studies and Research for thesis submission, as it is not submitted to GS&R for their approval. All other deadlines (Candidacy, Graduation Application, and Culminating Experience) still apply. 

The choice of whether the student pursues the thesis or project option is up to their major advisor. Students who wish to change their current graduate major to pursue the project option should first consult with their advisor, then submit a change of Graduate Major form (and make any necessary changes to their Candidacy forms).

Current Deadlines

 

Timelines for completion of degree

• MA Biological Sciences
• MS Biological Science (concentrations: Molecular Biology and Microbiology; Systems Physiology; and Ecology and Evolution.

 

Resources for Graduate Students

• Advising
  • General advising
  • SJSU GAPE (Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluation) Website for general information  Steps for Completing Your MS Page for more information on program requirements.
• Changing Major Advisors.pdf
• Reinstatement Process.pdf
• Funding sources for graduate students,
• Commonly used forms
• Biology Graduate Student Association - a student-run organization for graduate students
• Department Graduate Coordinator - general resource for students and person to whom you submit your documents

 

Program Learning Objectives

• MA program - Students will demonstrate:

  1. effective written communications skills showing evidence of critical analysis (ULG 3).
  2. effective oral communication showing evidence of critical analysis (ULG 3).
  3. the ability to independently answer questions regrading their specific area of study and to choose ethical approaches to research and practice (ULG 1, 5).
  4. the ability to develop, present, defend and critically analyze hypotheses and conclusions using information gained through searches of primary literature (ULG 2, 3, 4).

• MS program - Students will demonstrate:

  1. effective written communications skills showing evidence of critical analysis (ULG 3).
  2. effective oral communication showing evidence of critical analysis (ULG 3).
  3. the ability to independently answer questions regrading their specific field of research and to choose ethical approaches to research and practice (ULG 1, 5).
  4. the ability to develop, present, defend and defend a research plan using information gained through searches of primary literature (ULG 2, 3, 4).

 

Course Descriptions