The Master of Science (MS) Curriculum

Coursework (on the quarter system)

The following is a description of the curriculum for the quarter system. We will be transitioning to semesters by Fall 2018. This program requires 45 quarter units of coursework. At least 23 units must be at the graduate level (6000) including nine university thesis units (6910), at least one but no more than two three-unit graduate seminars (6821), up to four units of Independent Study (6900), up to eight units of Issues in Biological Sciences (6999) and up to four units of Coop Education (6898). The remaining units can include 3000 and 4000 level courses approved for the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree (See catalog and consult with your thesis advisor before enrolling in any 3000 level course). To remain in the MS in Biological Science degree program students must maintain a B average and all units must be earned within five calendar years. Moreover you must be continuously enrolled. Lack of enrollment for 3 consecutive quarters* will lead to automatic expulsion from the graduate program. That said, once you have completed the curriculum requirements outlined above (45 units) you no longer need to enroll in courses (See Graduate Study Completion below).

University rules state that no more than 13-quarter units of coursework applicable toward the master’s degree can be completed before admission to the program (i.e. as an Open or BCP student). To waive this rule, you need to ask the graduate coordinator to submit a waiver to “Academic Programs and Graduate Studies” on your behalf. The first step is to download then complete this Memorandum and place in the graduate coordinator's mailbox (currently, Maria Gallegos). Similarly, you can transfer courses from outside the CSUEB but the course will need to be approved and an official transcript will need to be submitted to the University. 

NOTE: If you receive financial aid (loans or grants), courses where you exceed the number of units allowed by the department for 6910, 6900, 6821, 6898 and 6999 will not eligible for financial aid. Exceeding the maximum units for a course might result in no or reduced aid eligibility. You are responsible for making sure that this does not happen.

*Currently, summer quarter does not count towards the "3 consecutive quarters"

University Writing Skills Requirement (UWSR)

In brief, you must satisfy the University Writing Skills Requirement (UWSR) in order to receive a degree from CSUEB unless you are exempt by one of the following criteria.

• You graduated from any one of the CSU campuses (unless it is noted on your transcript that your USWR was not satisfied).
• You received an essay score of 4.5 or higher on the GMAT or GRE or an essay score of 53 or higher on the CBEST.

If you are not exempt, you will have to either pass the Writing Skills Test (WST) at CSU East Bay or pass a first-tier writing course and possibly a second-tier writing course (if needed). NOTE: If you plan to satisfy the WST with an English course (can be taken on campus or online), we recommend that you sign up early. There is often a multi-quarter wait period. You must make your first attempt at satisfying the UWSR in order to apply for graduation. 

The Proposal

The MS degree requires that you conduct research under the supervision of a research advisor on or off campus. Within four quarters of your start date, students are strongly encouraged to submit a research proposal outlining the research objectives for the MS degree. Once the proposal is approved by your committee and submitted to the graduate coordinator, the student may enroll in University thesis units (6910). Click link to read more about writing and submitting the proposal.  

The University Thesis and Oral Defense

The MS degree culminates with the writing of a supervised university thesis and passage of an oral defense. Click link to learn more about writing and submitting the University Thesis.

Graduate Study Completion (optional)

Once you have completed all the quarter units required for your master's degree (45 total), you DO NOT need to enroll in any more classes. During this time, students typically finish up their research and write the thesis. That said, if you want to TA or you need continued access to University facilities, you can register for GS X6990 Graduate Study Completion through the Division of Continuing and International Education. This is a 1-unit course with a fee of $78 (fee subject to change). Again, this is OPTIONAL. 

To enroll, complete a "GS X6990 Graduate Study Completion Form" then submit it to the Biology office to be signed by the graduate coordinator.

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