Cal Poly Biological Sciences offers three graduate degree programs at the Master's level.

Master of Arts in Biological Sciences

This degree offers a broad background in the biological sciences. It is intended to prepare candidates for many types of biological work that require advanced training beyond the bachelor's degree, or careers in industry and/or civil service, or  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.

Master of Science in Biological Sciences

This degree program is designed to prepare students for many types of biological work that require advanced training beyond the bachelor's degree, including careers in industry and/or civil service,  teaching biological sciences at the elementary, secondary, and community college levels, independent research in the field of specialization, or continued graduate work at other institutions. A research thesis is required.

Master of Science in Biological Sciences -- Specialization in Stem Cell Research

This new degree program accepts 10 candidates per year in Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering or Animal Science. It is a two-year program offering candidates a year of training. In place of the thesis as a culminating experience, students are required to complete a non-traditional Comprehensive Exam that includes a 9-month internship in a stem cell research laboratory, a quarter-long project course at Cal Poly, a written report of their internship research, a written report of their quarter-long project course, and an oral presentation of their internship research. This degree prepares candidates to go into industry at laboratories conducting stem cell research work, or to pursue a doctorate in the field.

Admission Requirements

Fall 2014 Application deadline is 1 February 2014.
This deadline is a Departmental policy that differs from the University deadline listed in the current catalog. All materials listed below must be received by Admissions and/or the Biological Sciences Graduate Coordinator by this date. Admission occurs during Fall quarter only.

In addition to Cal Poly University‐wide admission requirements (see catalog or admission form), admission into the graduate program in the Biological Sciences Department requires the following:

• A minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 in the last 90 quarter units (60 semester units) taken as an undergraduate.
• Satisfactory scores on the General Graduate Record Examination Aptitude Test. The sum of the Verbal and Quantitative section scores should be at least 150 in each of the verbal and quantitative sections and for the “new” GRE, and 1000 for the “old” GRE. (Note that the Biology GRE Subject Test is not required for admission.) GRE results should be entered as required on the application and should also be sent to the Graduate Coordinator.
• Two letters of reference from persons familiar with recent academic or work performance of the applicant. Letters should be sent to the Graduate Coordinator (see below).
• One official transcript in a sealed envelope from each college or university previously attended.   Transcripts should be sent to the University Admissions Office.
• A one page typed Statement of Purpose describing your reasons for pursuing graduate study in the Biological Sciences at Cal Poly, your specific areas of interest (including the name(s) of your prospective faculty research advisor(s) if applicable), and any other information you consider pertinent. You may also attach a curriculum vitae (optional). This Statement of Purpose is critical in the evaluation of candidates. Statements should be sent to the Graduate Coordinator.

Candidates with GPA or GRE scores below the minimum will be considered only under extenuating circumstances.

Coursework Requirements

Course work in the following areas is important background necessary for success in the program and is a prerequisite for attaining “Classified” status. Students who are deemed to have deficiencies in their preparation may be admitted as “Conditionally Classified” and required to take courses to strengthen their background. These courses cannot be included as part of the Formal Study Plan.

Prerequisites for attaining “Classified” status:

• One year of majors introductory course work in biology including, but not limited to, molecular biology, biological diversity, plant and animal form and function, ecology and evolution.
• One course in each of the following areas:
  • Genetics
  • Ecology
  • Physiology
  • Taxonomy
  • General Inorganic Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Calculus

Admission Steps and Timeline

Admission

• Eligibility determined by Admissions Office.
• Acceptance determined by Graduate Coordinating Committee in Biological Sciences Department.

Milestones:

• Informal Study Plan: filed with Graduate Coordinator during the first quarter of enrollment. Use template for Formal Study Plan.
• Graduation Writing Requirement: exam attempted by the second quarter of enrollment.
• Core Courses (BIO 501, BIO 502, BIO 503): taken the first or second year.
• Choice of Advisor for either the M.S. or M.A. Plan: as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the third quarter of enrollment.
• Formal Study Plan: form filed with Graduate Coordinator by the end of third quarter of enrollment. If the plan changes after filing, do an amendment immediately.
• Choice of Thesis Committee (Thesis Plan): form filed with Graduate Coordinator as soon as possible after choosing an advisor, but no later than the end of the third quarter of enrollment.
• Advancement to Candidacy (clearance for completion of the degree): form completed by advisor and filed with Graduate Coordinator by end of second year of enrollment.
• Request for Graduation Evaluation: form submitted one quarter in advance of graduation
• Completion of GRE Subject Test in Biology (scaled score of 650 or more is considered passing): must be completed prior to graduating (except for M.S. in Stem Cell Biology students).

For M.S. degree students:

• Approval of Thesis Proposal: as soon as possible but no later than end of first year.
• Oral Defense of Thesis: no later than the eighth week of graduation quarter.
• Approval of Thesis Content by student’s advisor and thesis committee: form submitted to Research and Programs Graduate Office along with thesis no later than the eighth week of the graduation quarter.
• Approval of Thesis Format by Research and Programs Graduate Office and accepted by Kennedy Library.

For M.A. degree Students:

• Independent project coordinated by advisor and committee.
• Essay exam covering three general areas of biological sciences (see Graduate Handbook, page 8).

For more information, or if any of the above links do not work, go to the Research and Graduate Programs policies and forms page at: http://rgp.calpoly.edu/gradpolicies.html