All students in the M.S. in Biology program are required to complete a series of biology comprehensive exams.  The purpose of the exams is to demonstrate mastery of chosen biological concepts in general biology, cell biology, ecology, genetics, and anatomy/physiology.  The comprehensive exams include 3 written exams and an oral exam.

The student is to take these exams very seriously.  A strong performance (as deemed by the Department) is REQUIRED in order to receive the M.S. degree.  Students should work with their faculty advisor to start the exam process two semesters prior to expected graduation.

The format for the comprehensive exams is as follows:

            (1)  The General Biology comprehensive exam will be administered at the end of the first semester in the program (e.g., end of fall semester/beginning of spring semester).  This first exam is a one day/one time multiple choice exam.  A satisfactory performance (as determined by the Department of Biology) is required in order to continue in the M.S. program.

DEADLINES FOR COMPLETION OF ALL EXAMS: (CLAS Graduation Deadlines Page)

            (2)  The next two written comprehensive exams will be administered near the end of a student’s M.S. program (usually in the second year in the program).  These exams are essay-based day long exams administered a month apart.  These exams will test a student’s mastery of biological concepts as related to his or her chosen area of specialization.

            (3)  Following successful completion of the written comprehensive exams, an oral exam covering biological concepts similar to the written exams will be given.  The oral exam usually lasts 1-2 hours and will be conducted by two faculty in the Department of Biology (the examining committee will be put together by the student and his/her faculty advisor).  Satisfactory performance is required on the oral exam in order to receive the M.S. degree.

Prior to the administration of the written comprehensive exams,

Comprehensive Exam Clarification Forms (pdf) will be filled out by the examining faculty member and provided to the student.  The Comprehensive Exam Clarification forms will provide the student with study guidelines in preparation for the exams.  Both student and faculty signatures are required on the forms.

NOTE:  Students should plan to complete the Comprehensive exam process during the spring or fall semester.  Not all faculty are available during the summer session to administer exams, making summer completion difficult. 

What happens if I do not pass?  Students with unsatisfactory performances on any of the Comprehensive Exams will be required to completion remedial action (as determined by the Department).  In exception circumstances, a student may be allowed to re-take an exam once.  If successful completion is not achieved, the student will be required to leave the program and will not receive the M.S. degree.