Department of Biology
Department phone number: (607) 436-3703
Website: http://www.oneonta.edu
Faculty: William J. Pietraface, Chair, Nancy Bachman, Willard N.
Harman, Thomas Horvath, Vicky Lentz, Nigel Mann, Adam K. Ryburn, Donna
Vogler, Frederick Zalatan
Program purposes and philosophy: The objectives of this program
are to prepare students for doctoral studies and for professional
careers within the fields of environmental science and ecology. A plan
of study will be developed by the student and a committee, based upon
student interest, undergraduate background, and the results of a
qualifying examination. Specialization within the area of study
will generally be limited to that directly related to the thesis
required of all Master of Arts candidates.
Program Objectives and Outcomes for Students: The Master of Arts
in Biology Program was established to provide post-graduate education
for biology teachers in secondary schools and two-year colleges, to
prepare students for undertaking doctoral studies at university centers,
and to train technicians for career opportunities in the biological
sciences. The program emphasis is ecological. Candidates who
successfully complete the M.A. Biology Program generally enter careers
or gain access to doctoral programs.
Strengths of the program primarily center on the qualified graduate
faculty, the excellent library resources, and the Biological Field
Station. The graduate faculty is composed of nine professors, most of
whom have served on graduate student committees, have been principal
advisors, and have taught graduate courses. Graduate research is
supported by extensive library holdings of the biological periodicals at
the College at Oneonta and supplemented by the library holdings of
Hartwick College. Program quality is particularly enhanced by the
facilities, opportunities for study, and research activities at the
Biological Field Station in Cooperstown, NY. This site provides students
with a research complex that contains a multipurpose laboratory, three
analytical laboratories, a library and an aquarium room. Study areas
range from the lake front, provided with boats and sampling equipment,
to 2,600 acres of woodlands, bogs, marshes, and ponds.
Non-degree students should not enroll in more than 9 s.h. of graduate
courses before applying to a degree program.
No more than 16 s.h. may be transferred into this program from another
college. Courses with grades of “B-” through “F” are not transferable.
Admission Requirements
All students applying for admission to degree status are required to:
-
Submit a completed application and the
non-refundable fee.
-
Submit an official transcript of an earned
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college, consisting
of at least 25 s.h. of Biology and 6 s.h. of Chemistry. (Students
not meeting these requirements may be admitted on the condition that
undergraduate deficiencies be made up. Such courses will carry
undergraduate credit only.)
-
Submit three letters of recommendation.
-
Submit a written statement explaining the
purpose/goal for seeking the degree.
-
Submit official scores from the GRE General Test.
-
Submit official scores from the GRE Subject Test
in biology.
Admission is competitive, and meeting the minimum
admission criteria does not guarantee acceptance.
| Degree Requirements: M.A. in Biology |
1.
|
At least 32
s.h. of approved courses beyond the baccalaureate degree
including: 18 s.h. in Biology courses other than
seminar, thesis, and independent study; 3 s.h.
Biochemistry, 3 s.h. Physics, and 3 s.h. Statistics
unless completed at the undergraduate level. |
2. |
Minimum GPA
of 3.0. |
3. |
Research
Thesis* and Oral Defense. |
4. |
Comprehensive Examination. |
5. |
Students
must complete all degree requirements within six years
and complete a minimum of 16 s.h. in residence. |
|
*No more
than 12 s.h. of Independent Study and/or Thesis may be
counted toward degree requirements. |
|
All College policies and procedures found
in this Graduate Catalog will apply to students
enrolled in this program. |
|
