Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Master of Science (M.S.)

Applicants with a minimum of B.S. or equivalent degree in biological sciences may be admitted to the Master of Science (M.S.) program. The CBSC M.S. program requires a minimum of 30 credits of coursework beyond the B.S. degree, including 6 credits of Master's Thesis Research (VMSC799; credits greater than 6 of this course will not be counted for degree requirement). A minimum of 12 credits must be earned in coursework at the 600 level or higher. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or better in courses taken for graduate credit.

Master program requirements

The plan of study must be approved by the Advisor and the Graduate Admissions and Examination Review Committee before the end of the first semester of enrollment. By the end of the second semester, the student should have an Advisory Committee formed. A thesis based on independent and original research must be submitted to the CBSC Program and the Graduate School. The student must present the thesis in a public seminar and pass a final oral examination given by the Advisory Committee.

The non-thesis Master of Science degree option is available only for doctoral students who wish to leave the graduate program without completing the Ph.D., but have finished all course work required. External applications for the non-thesis master’s option are not accepted. One scholarly paper must be written and approved by the student's Advisor.