You have the option of either a Coursework Only or Research Track master's degree. If you choose to pursue a Research Track master's degree, you and your mentor may choose to have you conduct a research project or thesis. All master's candidates entering the graduate program must complete 30 credits to graduate. The way that you earn these credits will differ depending on the option you choose:
- Coursework only (BAM students are not eligible to participate in this track)
- Research project - 3 research project credit hours required (to be included in the 30 credits needed to graduate)
- Thesis - 4 thesis credit hours required; may take as many as 6 thesis credits (to be included in the 30 credits needed to graduate)
It is possible, however, to change from one option to another during the program of study.
Basic Requirements
The following are required of all students for the Master of Science degree:
- IPHY 5100 (Colloquium in Integrative Physiology) and
- IPHY 5800 (Advanced Statistics and Research in Integrative Physiology)
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in all graduate work undertaken
- Satisfactory performance on the comprehensive exam
- Completion of advanced degree requirements as stipulated by the Graduate School
- Fulfillment of the thesis (IPHY 6950) or research project (IPHY 6840) requirements.
Comprehensive Examination
All candidates are required to complete an examination covering the thesis (oral and written) or research project (written only) as well as course work leading to the degree. Research project document should be structured as any scientific research paper (approx. 25 pages); department does not require any specific formatting.