Genetics Masters programs in Texas

The following are the two Masters of Science Degrees in Genetics:

• Thesis option. Coursework plus a thesis and a final examination.

• Non-thesis option. Coursework plus a comprehensive final examination.

Students enter the Masters Degree Program in one of two ways:

• Application for the Masters Degree Program with a pre-arranged faculty advisor.
  

• Change in degree plan following successful completion of the first two semesters in the PhD Program.

Thesis Option

The major requirements for the degree are the completion of 32 semester hours of coursework and research leading to the submission of an acceptable thesis. The coursework must include at least fourteen semester hours in graduate courses in genetics or related areas and two semester hours of graduate seminar. The degree program is developed by the student's Advisory Committee in consultation with the student. The Advisory Committee consists of three or more members of the graduate faculty, one of whom must be from a department other than the student's administrative department. The student's major professor, who is the chair of the Advisory Committee, must be a member of the Faculty of Genetics.

The proposed degree program should be completed and filed with the Office of Graduate Studies prior to the second semester of registration. In addition to the student's Advisory Committee, the degree program must be approved by the Chair of the Faculty of Genetics and the Office of Graduate Studies. A proposal describing the planned research should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval no later than the end of the second year of enrollment and must be approved by the student's Advisory Committee, the Chair of the Faculty of Genetics, and the Office of Graduate Studies. Finally, a final comprehensive examination conducted by the Advisory Committee is required. It will include questions on the thesis, general genetics, and the other work taken on the degree program. At the option of the student's advisory committee, the examination may be oral, written or both.