Biological Sciences M.S.

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Minimum Requirements for Biological Sciences M.S.: 30 credits

Credits
General University Requirements
Complete the graduate general university requirements.
Master’s Degree Requirements
Complete the master's degree requirements.
As part of the master's degree requirements, complete the following:
BIOL F699Thesis6-12
Biological Sciences Program Requirements
Complete at least one of the following:3
BIOL/WLF F602
Research Design
BIOL/WLF F604
Scientific Writing, Editing and Revising in the Biological Sciences
BIOL/WLF F680
Data Analysis in Biology
Additional committee-approved coursework15-21
Complete and pass the departmental written and oral master’s comprehensive examination
Total Credits30
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Admission Requirements

Complete the following general university admission requirements for graduate programs.

  1. Submit an application for admission
  2. Submit official transcripts
  3. Official test results: GRE scores are not required for this program, but may be considered if submitted
  4. Submit resume/curriculum vitae
  5. Submit statement of academic goals
  6. Submit 3 letters of recommendation

International Students: Please consult UAF’s most recent application requirements regarding English language proficiency.

Additional program admission requirements and information:

  • Unofficial transcripts may be suitable for initial review of the application. Official transcripts must follow prior to matriculation

  • The statement of goals should be specific, informative, focused and concise. The statement should address the following:

    • Career aspirations

    • Research interests
    • Research experience and relevant training
    • Interest, experience, and/or plans to serve society through your career
    • Relevance of UAF Biology and Wildlife in achieving your future goals, including the names of faculty members you have contacted regarding graduate training
  • Letters of reference should be from individuals who can address your potential to succeed in graduate school. Ideally, letters of reference should come from university faculty, research staff, or professionals familiar with your academic and research achievements and also with the expectations of graduate school. References are asked to address writing ability, critical thinking skills, quantitative skills, and potential to succeed in a graduate program. References that address notable service (e.g., Peace Corps or AmeriCorps) may also be informative.

See the Biology and Wildlife website for more detailed instructions about applying to our programs.

Note: Students are typically not admitted to the program unless a faculty advisor has agreed to serve as the mentor. Applicants should contact potential advisors before applying.

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Roadmaps

Roadmaps provide suggested semester-by-semester study plans for programs and are based on full-time enrollment, unless otherwise specified.

  • This roadmap should be used in conjunction with regular academic advising sessions. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor or mentor each semester.
  • Certain courses and milestones must be completed in the specified semester to ensure on-time graduation.
  • Transfer credits may affect the roadmap.
  • Requirements, course availability, and sequencing may change.
  • Courses marked with (*) are recommended.
First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL F602, F604, F680, WLF F602, WLF F604, or WLF F680203Program Elective3
Program Elective3Program Elective3
Program Elective3Program Elective3
 9 9
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL F699189BIOL F699183
 9 3
Total Credits 30

Footnote Definitions

General Education Requirements Degree Requirements Program & Other Requirements
1--Communication 8--Alaska Native-themed 20--Program Requirement
2--Arts 9--Communication 21--Capstone Requirement
3--Humanities 10--Computation 22--Concentration Course
4--Social Sciences 11--Ethics 23--General Elective
5--Additional Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences 12--Humanities 24--Minor Course
6--Mathematics 13--Human Relations 25--Upper Division
7--Natural Sciences 14--Humanities or Social Sciences 26--Program Elective
15--Library & Information Research
16--Mathematics
17--Natural Sciences
18--Other
19--Social Sciences

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Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes are specific, measurable statements that define the knowledge and skills students will gain by the end of the program.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Demonstrate mastery of biological knowledge in subject areas related to the student's thesis research
  • Create biological knowledge through research
  • Communicate effectively in oral and written form
  • Obtain employment in biology, continue on to further education or otherwise meet personal objectives for completing the degree