GRADUATE PROGRAMS
The Department of Biological Sciences offers several degree programs for students planning to conduct graduate work at NDSU. Students can select a major in Botany, Biology, Zoology, or Cellular and Molecular Biology. Finanical assistance is available for most students in the form of a research or teaching assistantship.
Graduate students generally take several courses that relate to their interests and chosen research. Master's degree students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours to graduate. Ph.D. students must complete a minimum of 90 credit hours. These figures include both credits from actual coursework as well as research credits.
In addition to coursework, graduate students in the Deparment of Biological Sciences work with an advisor on a research project that meets the interests of the student. Graduate students are also required to form a committee of individuals that have expertise in the student's area of interest. A proposal which must be approved by the student's committee is required before any research begins. Research is usually conducted in either the field or labratory. A final thesis or disseration is required to complete a graduate degree in the Department of Biological Sciences.
For a complete description of requirements, courses and an application please see the Graduate School Bulletin for Biology
DEGREE PROGRAMS
The Department of Biological Sciences offers graduate study leading to Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Master of Science degrees are available in Biology, Botany, Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Natural Resources Management, and Zoology. Doctor of Philosophy degrees are available in Botany, Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Genomics, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Natural Resources Management, and Zoology. Advanced work may involve specialized training in the following areas: aquatic biology, behavior, cell biology, comparative biochemistry and physiology, conservation biology, ecology, endocrinology, evolution, fisheries biology, lichenology, molecular biology, plant biology, population biology, prairie pothole ecology, systematics, vertebrate pest
RESEARCH AREAS
- Developmental and Regulatory Biology
- Ecological and Evolutionary Biology
- Science Education
SUPPORT
Financial Aid
Students who desire to be considered for a research assistantship (RA), teaching assistantship (TA), or some other form of aid should so indicate on the graduate application. TA's and RA's are at a premium; thus, students interested in such an appointment must file a completed application as early as possible. Students interested in need-based financial aid, loans, or work study opportunities should check with the Financial Aid Office.
Teaching Assistantships
A graduate teaching assistant is expected to
devote an average of 20 hours weekly to departmental duties in
order to fulfill the work requirements of his/her
assistantship. TA's are expected to be present and available to
fulfill their duties from August 15 to May 15. TA's are not
automatically granted vacation or leave time. All absences must
be cleared with the work supervisor(s) and major adviser.
Students admitted to advanced degree programs in the Department
of Biological Sciences are normally supported throughout their
tenure as graduate students. However, reappointment as a TA is
not guaranteed. Appointments are generally made for one
academic year (August 15 to May 15), but are reviewed every
semester, and continuance is subject to the availability of the
positions, the student's performance as an assistant, and the
student's record of scholarship. A student must maintain a GPA
of 3.0 or above in graduate level courses to continue his/her
teaching assistantship. TA's must receive student evaluations
of their performance in courses. It is the responsibility of
the TA to ensure that he or she is eligible for continued
appointment.
Research Assistantships
Research assistants (RA's) are half-time
employees of the Department and are usually paid from research
grant funds. Typically research is conducted under the
supervision of the principal investigator who generated the
salary funds. In most cases, the 20 hours per week that are
required to fulfill the employment obligation are spent working
on research that the student may use for his/her disquisition.
Obviously, 20 hours per week is typically not sufficient time
to complete one's research program; hence, it is necessary that
RA's work additional hours beyond their half-time appointment.
RA's are not automatically granted vacation or leave time. All
absences must be cleared with the
work supervisor(s) and major adviser.
Fellowships
Fellowships and scholarships may be available for students with superior academic records. Students receiving fellowships are subject to the same general rules that apply to research assistants, including tuition waiver.
Tuition
Tuition (both resident and nonresident) for graduate-level courses is waived for all graduate students with an appointment as a research assistant or a teaching assistant, or for fellowship recipients. However, all graduate students must pay a semester activity fee.