- When can I apply for the Coterm program?
- Can I count courses toward both my undergraduate degree and my Coterm?
- What signatures do I need to get before submitting my application?
- Do I need to write a thesis?
- How long does it typically take to complete the program?
- How do I know what needs to be petitioned?
- How do I petition?
- What if I need to petition before I've been admitted?
- When is the Program Proposal due?
- How do I find an advisor?
- Where do MS graduates go after finishing the program?
1. When can I apply for the Coterm program?
Students who will have completed 120 units by the time they propose to start the coterm program are eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted twice during the 2009-2010 academic year, then starting in the 2010-2011 academic year, applications will accepted only once per year. More details can be found on the Admissions page.
2. Can I count courses toward both my undergraduate degree and my Coterm?
No - you must decide which courses will count toward your undergraduate degree and which courses will count toward your coterm. You cannot double count courses between two programs. You will be required to submit a program proposal and Course Transfer Form, which will clarify what courses are being taken for your coterm.
3. What signatures do I need to get before submitting my application?
If you are a Biology major, you do not need to collect any signatures before submitting your application. If you are not a Biology major, you need the Student Services staff member in your major department to sign both the application form and the course transfer form before submitting your packet to our office.
4. Do I need to write a thesis?
The department does not have an MS with thesis option, but students can do a thesis, and have it evaluated by their advisor and one additional reader.
5. How long does it typically take to complete the program?
You are required to take 45 units for the Coterm program. This typically takes 3 quarters to complete.
6. How do I know what needs to be petitioned?
Any course that is not listed as a BIO or BIOHOPK course, or any course that is not on the list of Approved Out-of-Department Electives must be petitioned.
7. How do I petition?
To petition for inclusion of a course in your MS program, you will need to submit a General Petition to the Student Services Office. Your petition should include the course description and/or syllabus, as well as a brief statement explaining your request. Petitions must be signed by your MS faculty advisor before submitting. Only one request per petition.
8. What if I need to petition before I've been admitted?
If you need to petition for a course prior to being admitted, submit the paperwork to Student Services without a faculty advisor signature.
9. When is the Program Proposal due?
The Program Proposal is due by the end of the third week of your first quarter in the program. If you change your course plans after submitting the initial proposal, you are required to resubmit a new Program Proposal. This helps the Student Services Office track whether or not your plans meet the requirements for the MS degree.
10. How do I find an advisor?
There are several ways to find an advisor. You might want to start by reviewing the list of Biology faculty. You can also pick up a copy of the most recent Faculty Research and Publications brochure in Gilbert 108, so you can match yourself up with someone according to research/interest area.
11. Where do MS graduates go after finishing the program?
MS graduates have wonderful career and educational opportunities after finishing our program. Some of our recent graduates have gone on to be a lab coordinator, work for a non-profit environmental organization, work in biotech licensing, teach, and to medical school. These are just a few examples of what you can do with an MS in Biology.
