Other Graduate Requirements

Teaching

All Master of Science in Biology students are required to either teach at least one quarter as a paid teaching assistant or arrange a teaching experience in consultation with his/her graduate committee. Teaching experiences typically include presenting a few lectures on the student's research topic to an undergraduate class or designing lab activities. The goal is to provide the graduate student with legitimate college-level teaching experience.

Prospectus

The prospectus is an opportunity for graduate students to present their research hypothesis and study methodology to their graduate committee and to the EWU Biology Department. This is a great opportunity to have the full attention of Biology faculty and to receive valuable feedback on the student's intended research project. Graduates typically present their prospectus during Spring quarter of their first year.

Candidacy

Students apply for candidacy after (1) they have successfully presented their prospectus; (2) the student's graduate committee has agreed upon the proposed research plan; and (3) the student has outlined (with committee approval) the courses remaining in their curriculum. The candidacy application should be submitted before the student has earned half of their 50 graduate credits.

Examination

The final comprehensive examination for the Master of Science in Biology consists of a research seminar and an oral defense of the master's thesis presented to the department. Immediately following the student's seminar, an oral examination is administered by the student's graduate committee which is composed of 2-3 department faculty members and a faculty member appointed by the Graduate Program Office. The focus of the examination is the student's thesis, although, questions from other areas of biology may be asked.