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Master of Natural Science Degree

The School of Life Sciences also participates in the program leading to the Master of Natural Science (M.N.S.) degree when one of the concentrations is Biology, Microbiology, or Plant Biology. This interdisciplinary degree is designed to meet the needs of professionals seeking a graduate level degree.

Master of Natural Science (M.N.S.)

The Master of Natural Science degree offers the opportunity for interdisciplinary graduate training in the natural sciences (biological sciences, mathematics, and physical sciences) and cognate areas. The degree program is especially suited for individuals who desire professional training rather than research training. Because of designed flexibility, the degree also offers the opportunity for individualized professional graduate programs depending upon the backgrounds and goals of the students. The major is Natural Science. Students are expected to emphasize course work in two or more areas of concentration. The program must be interdisciplinary.

The supervisory committee, consisting of three faculty members, is appointed by the dean of the Graduate College upon the recommendation of the chair of the academic unit in which the graduate advisor serves as a faculty member. The supervisory committee is formed soon after the student has been admitted to the degree program. The graduate advisor and student suggest names of persons to serve on the supervisory committee. The composition of the supervisory committee must reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the program.

A program of study is recommended by the supervisory committee after conferring with the student. The minimum number of semester hours required for the degree is 30. More may be required by the supervisory committee depending upon the background of the student and the nature of the proposed program. In some cases undergraduate courses may be required to remove deficiencies.

A thesis is optional. A final written or oral examination, or both, is required. Each examination is administered by the supervisory committee.