PROGRAMS OF STUDY
Our graduates are well prepared to enter academic, industrial, or research careers. Departmental expertise is concentrated in ecology and systematics, developmental anatomy and morphology, physiology and molecular and cellular biology, and science education. You are expected to develop a broad understanding of basic biological principles, in addition to obtaining the specialized skills of the contemporary researcher.
Advanced courses in many subjects are offered regularly; many of these include a laboratory component. We conduct a seminar program that features nationally recognized speakers from off campus who lecture on numerous specific topics. Summer field courses in systematics and ecology are offered in the Bahamas, Belize, and Costa Rica.
Doctor of Philosophy in Botany
The Ph.D. is a 4-6 year research degree with emphasis on the successful completion of an original dissertation. Advisors guides students through the program, with the assistance of a graduate committee tailored to individual career objectives. During the first two years, yost dents are expected to complete course work, present a dissertation proposal, and pass a comprehensive examination. The remainder of the program is primarily devoted to independent research, culminating in a dissertation that is defended before the general public and your committee. Doctoral students are encouraged and expected to become involved in a number of professional activities such as participation in scientific meetings, manuscript submission and publication, and submission of grant proposals.
Students can also obtain a Ph.D. in Botany through the Ecology Graduate Program, or obtain certification through the Molecular Biology Program.
Master of Arts, Master of Science
The M.A. and M.S. in Botany are two year degrees with emphasis on completion of either an internship experience (M.A.), or a thesis on original research (M.S.). The M.A. is designed as a technical professional path for individuals pursuing industrial or research support as career objectives. The M.S. is for individuals who aspire to a Ph.D. degree. A major advisor and graduate advisory committee guide students through their program. Students are expected to demonstrate a broad knowledge of botany in an oral examinationadministered by graduate committee. Students will propose an internship/thesis experience to a committee and, after conducting the research and writing, then present and defend their experience before the general public and their committee. Students are encouraged to present data at scientific meetings and/or submit findings for publication in professional journals.
Students can also obtain an M.S. in Botany through the Ecology Graduate Program, or obtain certification through the Molecular Biology Program.
Master of Arts in Teaching (Biological sciences)
This non-thesis program is for students who either hold or are working toward certification in elementary or secondary education. At least 14 of the 30 semester hours required must be in formal courses in botany (usually taken during the summer months). Some research credit is highly recommended. A faculty committee of representatives from each of the biological science departments must approve your academic program and will conduct an exit interview upon completion.