Master of Science Curriculum
The MS degree program in Biological Sciences requires 30 semester units of coursework. At least half of those units (15) must be at the graduate level (600). Those 15 units must include five university thesis units (691), two to four graduate seminar units (610, 630, 650 and/or 670) and six units of research specialization (including two of the following: BIOL 616 - Cell and Molecular Biology I, BIOL 618 - Cell and Molecular Biology II, BIOL 631 - Microbial Physiology and Biochemistry, BIOL 652 - Advances in Ecology and Evolution and/or BIOL 671 - Advanced Topics in Physiology - see below). Subject to approval by your thesis advisor, the remaining units (up to 15 total) can include 300 and 400 level courses approved for the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
To remain in the MS in Biological Science degree program students must maintain a B average and all units must be earned within five calendar years (a waiver is possible up to a seventh year). Moreover you must be continuously enrolled until you complete your curriculum. Students that do not enroll in classes at Cal State East Bay for two consecutive semesters (not including summer or winter sessions), and do not enroll in the third consecutive semester, will be discontinued and will be required to submit a new application to the University for readmission. That said, once you have completed the curriculum requirements outlined above (30 units) and satisfied the UWSR you no longer need to enroll in courses prior to graduation (See Graduate Study Completion below).
Lab courses required for BCP students can fill to capacity. If you plan to enroll in Biol 415, 424, 425, 622 and 620, please email Natalie Granera, our office manager in the Department of Biology and CC: the BCP coordinator no later than four weeks prior to the first day of the semester. Use your horizon email account and provide your net ID along with the list of courses and preferred section times. I will be able to approve these courses for you so long as you follow these instructions. Use MyCSUEB to enroll in all other courses including Biol 601A, 616 and 601B.
To review the class schedule for any upcoming semester, go to https://www.csueastbay.edu/mycsueb/schedule-catalog.html then click on "Section List by Subject".
Biological Science Core Requirements
The following 2 units are required during the first year of the M.S. program.
Research Specialization
Choose two (2) courses from the following list (requires approval of the Thesis Advisor and Thesis Committee):
Communication the Research Specialization
Choose one (1) course for 2 units from the following list:
Elective Courses
A minimum of 15 units are required from the following list as approved by the Thesis Advisor and Thesis Committee:
Capstone Requirement
A University thesis and an oral defense for 5 units is required to complete the program. BIOL 691 - University Thesis (WARNING: Thesis units expire after 2 years). If you do not feel ready, you should enroll in Biol 690 (Independent Study - 4 units max) or Biol 891 (Research - subject to approval).
Graduate Study Completion
Once you have completed all the semester units required for your master's degree (30 total) and you have satisfied the UWSR (requirement suspended until further notice), you are not required to enroll in any more classes. During this time, students typically finish up their research, write and defend their thesis. That said, if you want continued access to University facilities (including research labs) or you want to TA, you must register for BIOL 890 Graduate Study Completion through the Division of Continuing and International Education. This is a 1-unit course with a fee of $134 (fee subject to change). Again, this is OPTIONAL. Discuss this option with your thesis advisor or graduate coordinator to see if it is right for you.
To enroll, complete a BIOL 890 "Graduate Study Completion Form" then submit it to the Biology office to be signed by the graduate coordinator.
Warning:
Students who do not enroll in classes at Cal State East Bay for two consecutive semesters (not including summer or winter sessions), and do not enroll in the third consecutive semester, will be discontinued and will be required to submit a new application to the University for readmission.
That said, once you have completed 30 semester units and satisfied the UWSR (requirement suspended until further notice), as outlined above, you are eligible to enroll in BIOL 890 (See above).
