The co-terminal degree program is for current Stanford undergraduate Biology majors. The co-terminal degree program in Biology allows Stanford students to pursue one year of in-depth, upper division coursework after the bachelors, related to the fields of ecology and evolution.  Students receive a masters degree for this work. Our co-terminal degree students go on to work at environmental non-profit organizations, in government, at research institutions, and as teachers.

Admissions: Co-terminal Degree Program
Current Stanford undergraduates wishing to complete a co-terminal B.S./M.S. degree in Biology should submit an application to the Department of Biology in the quarter before they wish to being the co-term program. 

Course Requirements
Students are required to take 45 units of coursework to complete a Masters degree.  This translates to three full-time academic quarters.  Students are free to design a course of study which best serves their academic goals, so long as it meets the requirements specified by the department.  Courses in biology, mathematics, statistics, GES, and IPER may be of use to students, depending upon their research and professional interests.  The Master's Handbook provides detailed information about the guidelines each program of study must meet, and how credit may be received for independent study, research, teaching, and out-of-department coursework.

Teaching
Teaching opportunities are limited. However, co-terminal students wishing to gain teaching experience may apply to serve as a teaching assistant for undergraduate laboratory courses.  The availability of these opportunities varies by quarter and year.  Co-terminal students may receive course credit for serving as a TA.

Research
The co-terminal program in Biology has no research thesis requirement, but rather, is a course-oriented program of study.  Some students do engage in a research project in addition to their course of study, though students generally work independently and have little interaction with faculty.  Students seeking a research-intensive Masters experience are encouraged to seek out programs at other institutions which better serve their needs.   

Financial Aid
Neither the University nor the Department offers financial support for co-terminal students. Qualified students may apply for teaching assistantship or research assistantship positions in the Department of Biology and other departments throughout the University. These appointments may provide partial tuition credit. Students should contact faculty members individually to inquire about employment opportunities.  Stanford's Office of Financial Aid has more information on cost of attendance and how to apply for financial aid as a graduate student.