MASTER OF ARTS
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

General Characteristics
This degree offers a broad background in the biological sciences. The program is designed to offer sufficient breadth and depth to strengthen the student's academic understanding and improve competence for: (a) many types of biological work that require advanced training beyond the bachelor's degree; (b) careers in industry and/or civil service; (c) teaching biological sciences at the elementary, secondary, and community college levels. This degree differs from the MS in Biological Sciences in that a research thesis is not required.

Prerequisites
Admission as a conditionally classified or classified student in this program requires a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the last 90 quarter units attempted, submission of scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Biology Subject GRE, and letters of recommendation from persons knowing your academic potential. Advancement to candidacy requires a satisfactory background in biology, and completion of 12 units of courses specified in an informal study plan with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Information pertaining to specific departmental requirements for admission to graduate standing–classified or graduate standing–conditionally classified may be obtained from the Director of the Graduate and Research Committee (Graduate Coordinator) of the Biological Sciences Department.

Program of Study
The formal program of study for the degree must include 45 units of committee-approved graduate work, at least 30 units of which must be at the 500 level. A grade point average of 3.0 or better is required in all courses included in the Formal Study Plan. Coursework must include 32 units within the Biological Sciences Department at Cal Poly. Only 4 units of BIO 575 College Teaching Practicum can be used; a maximum of 6 units of BIO 590 Seminar in Biology can be used in the Formal Study Plan. To complete the degree the GRE Advanced Biology exam must be passed with a score of 650 or higher. The culminating experience is a comprehensive written exam covering three areas of biology.

MASTER OF SCIENCE
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

General Characteristics
This degree offers a broad background in the biological sciences. The program is designed to offer sufficient breadth and depth to strengthen the student's academic understanding and improve competence for: (a) many types of biological work that require advanced training beyond the bachelor's degree; (b) careers in industry and/or civil service; (c) teaching biological sciences at the elementary, secondary, and community college levels; (d) independent research in the field of specialization; or (e) continued graduate work at other institutions.

Prerequisites
Admission as a conditionally classified or classified student in this program requires a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the last 90 quarter units attempted, submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, and letters of recommendation from persons knowing your academic potential. Information pertaining to specific departmental requirements for admission to graduate standing–classified or graduate standing–conditionally classified may be obtained from the Director of the Graduate and Research Committee (Graduate Coordinator) of the Biological Sciences Department.

Program of Study
The formal program of study for the degree must include 45 units of committee-approved graduate work, at least 30 units of which must be at the 500 level. Coursework must include 32 units taken within the Biological Sciences Department at Cal Poly. A grade point average of 3.0 or better is required in all courses included in the Formal Study Plan. A maximum of 6 units of BIO 590 Seminar in Biology can be used. To complete the degree the GRE Advanced Biology exam must be passed with a score of 650 or better.