Minimum Course Requirements

The student, in consultation with the faculty advisor, will determine an initial schedule of courses before the beginning of the first term.

Thirty (30) credits beyond the Bachelor’s degree are required. Specific course requirements are listed below. Up to six (6) credits of Advanced Independent Studies (BIO SCI 899) and up to two (2) credits in Biology Colloquium (BIO SCI 900) can count toward the degree. Any remaining coursework may be completed in other departments within UWM with the approval of the student’s advisor and the Graduate Program Director.

• 20 (of 30) credits must be in Biological Sciences courses
  • One (1) laboratory course is required
  • Two (2) seminars that include a presentation are required, to a maximum of four (4) credits
    • For example, BIO SCI 925, 929, 931, 933, 934, 935, or 936

A student may transfer graduate-level coursework into their degree program pending approval of the student’s advisor and the Graduate Program Director. For graduate-level coursework taken at UWM, up to 12 credits may be eligible for transfer. For graduate-level coursework taken at other institutions, up to 10 credits may be eligible for transfer.

Grades

Continuation in the M.S. program is at the discretion of the Graduate School, the departmental Graduate Committee and the major professor. A 3.0 (4.0 basis) average or better is required in all work taken as a graduate student. Students receiving a grade of less than a “B” in Biological Sciences coursework or an overall GPA < 3.0 will receive a letter of warning from the Graduate Program Director. Grades of D or F are unsatisfactory and do not count in meeting degree requirements. Poor performance will result in the student’s dismissal from the Biological Sciences Graduate Program.