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Requirements for Masters of Science (MS) degree in Genetics

Whereas the program generally gives priority to students who seek the PhD degree, there are still good reasons for some students to get a MS degree. It can serve as an alternative for students who, for any of a number of reasons, do not proceed to the PhD. A common misconception is that a MS is required before getting a PhD; this is not the case.

The requirements for an MS in Genetics must be completed within 8 years of starting study. The requirements are:

  1. A minimum grade point average of 3.0
  2. A minimum of 30 graduate credits must be earned, of which 20 must be from Penn State, and up to 10 credits of graduate work may be transferred from another institution.
  3. At least 18 credits must be at the 500-600 level (this includes up to 6 thesis research credits for a letter grade—thesis research credits past that should receive an “R” grade)
  4. At least 12 credits must be non-research credit courses chosen from the list approved by the Genetics Program including Genetics 590 Colloquium for at least two semesters
  5. At least 3 credits in statistics
  6. A thesis is required of all M.S. students. There is no requirement for a final defense of the M.S. thesis, but students are encouraged to make a formal presentation of their thesis research. The University has strict requirements on thesis format, and students are advised to get a current copy of the Thesis Information Bulletin online or from the Graduate School Thesis Office, 303 Kern Graduate Building before commencing with writing.

A check list is provided for following progress towards the MS degree.

Appointment and duties of Advisor and Committee

In general, the advisor is identified when the student is recruited and MS students are admitted directly into a specific lab. Through consultation with the advisor, the Program Chair will appoint a graduate committee by the second semester of studies. This committee will be composed of at least three members including the advisor, an addition representative from the Genetics Faculty and a third representative from the student's related field of study.

The duties of the advisor and graduate committee are to assist the student in developing a plan of study, review and evaluate the student's thesis proposal, administer the final examination, and approve the thesis. These duties are accomplished by a series of meetings.