The program is designed to augment the research and academic training of academically strong students in preparation for the workplace or additional professional studies.

Students who are interested in this program should meet with their academic and research advisors to discuss this option before the end of their junior year. Admission will require the consent of the research advisor, and in most cases, an undergraduate research project will be modified to provide the basis for the Masters Degree Project.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Students must apply for the program directly through the Graduate School using the standard graduate school application. Two letters of recommendation, including one from the students intended research advisor are required. The program does not require GRE's for admission.

ELIGIBILITY:
UMass or Five College undergraduates with majors in the life sciences and a minimum grade point average of 3.0 are eligible for consideration.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

GRADUATE SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS:
A minimum of 30 credits is required for completion of a Master's Degree. Students should refer to the Graduate School Bulletin for additional information about general requirements. Note, that a graduate level course used to fulfill the requirements for a B.S. degree cannot be used for the M.S. degree.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

NON-THESIS OPTION
1. Core Courses………………………………………………………15 credits
Courses must include three Plant Biology core courses as outlined in the Plant Biology Graduate Program Academic Requirements (section I, part A) and one additional elective course selected from the listing in the Academic Requirements (section I, part B).

2. Independent Study …………….…………………………………12 credits

3. Journal Clubs ……………………..………………………………..2 credits

4. Plant Biology Seminar ………......…………………………….…2 credits

5. In addition to the coursework listed above, all non-thesis M.S. degree students will be required to complete a research project and write a research report. The report is to be approved by three members of the Plant Biology faculty, and orally defended by the student before the committee. The committee includes the student's research advisor.

THESIS OPTION:
1. Core Courses …………………..…………………………………15 credits
Courses must include three Plant Biology core courses as outlined in the Plant Biology Graduate Program Academic Requirements (section I, part A) and one additional elective course selected from the listing in the Academic Requirements (section I, part B).

2. Independent Study ……………..…………………………………. 2 credits

3. Journal Clubs ……………………...………………………………..2 credits

4. Plant Biology Seminar…………...…………………………………2 credits

5. Master's Thesis …………………..……………………………….10 credits

6. In addition to the coursework listed above, all thesis M.S. degree students will be required to complete a research project and write an M.S. thesis document in accordance with the format set by the Graduate School. The thesis is to be defended in front of the committee after they have read and tentatively approved the thesis. The thesis committee
will consist of the research advisor as chair and two additional members of the Plant Biology faculty. An outline of the thesis is to be presented to the Thesis Committee at least four months prior to the intended date of the thesis defense.
.
DURATION OF DEGREE TRACK:
Students are expected to complete the Masters degree in approximately 15 months, including two summers and an academic year.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
Financial support for the research project and the student's stipend are to be arranged between the student and research advisor.