Biological Sciences, M.S.

Master of Science (MS) in Biological Sciences or Biochemistry (SBIOL) (SBCH)

The academic course plan for each student will be developed in consultation with by the student’s graduate advisory committee. The committee will include the student’s major advisor and at least two additional members of the graduate faculty such that the LSU Graduate School’s requirements for graduate committees are satisfied.

The degree requires a thesis research project. Twenty-four hours of credit at the graduate level must be earned, including a maximum of six hours of credit for the thesis/special project. The curricular requirements include:

• At least 12 hours at the 7000 level or above, excluding thesis research.
• A primary area consisting of a minimum of six hours of thesis research.
• A minimum core requirement of four credit hours in: BASC 7000  (one hour), BIOL 7921  (one hour) and two hours in various topic-oriented seminars offered by the Department (BIOL 7901 , BIOL 7902 , or BIOL 7946 ).

As a component of professional development, all graduate students must teach in the undergraduate program at least one semester during their degree program. The student must establish an academic course plan within the first year. In addition, they must pass a final exam consisting of evaluation of a written thesis and an open-to-the-public thesis defense. The student’s committee will administer a final oral exam following the public defense.