8  M.S. Integrative Biology

8.1 Program Description

8.1.1 Degree Overview

Students in the M.S. Integrative Biology program develop a plan of study in consultation with their advisor and Master’s Thesis Committee. The program includes required core courses and competencies, thesis research, and professional development.

Completion of at least 30 credits is required, including research credits. Students develop a thesis proposal within the first year and complete thesis research (typically 6–10 credits). The degree is awarded when:

  • Thesis research results are deemed acceptable
  • A formal public thesis presentation and defense has occurred
  • The thesis is approved by the Thesis Committee and accepted by the Graduate School

All students are expected to present research publicly (including at the UNH Graduate Research Conference) and to gain teaching and/or mentoring experience.

8.2 Credit Requirements

The M.S. degree requires a minimum of 30 total credits, including:

  • 6–10 credits of thesis research (BIOL 899 – Master’s Thesis)
  • Required coursework and competencies (outlined below)

Up to 8 graduate credits may be transferred from another institution if: - They were not counted toward another degree
- A grade of B or higher was earned
- The transfer is approved by the advisor, committee, and Graduate School

Students admitted through the Accelerated Master’s (AM) program may apply up to 12 credits of prior upper-level UNH coursework, in accordance with AM policies.

8.3 Required Courses and Competencies

All M.S. Integrative Biology students must complete the following:

Core Course - BIOL 901 – Introductory Graduate Seminar
A first-semester course focusing on key information and skills for a successful transition into graduate study, including program expectations and cohort building.

Experimental Design and Analysis (2 courses) - Two courses in experimental design and analysis
- May be fulfilled by prior approved graduate coursework or by completing two graduate-level courses

Writing and Communication (1 course) - May be fulfilled by prior graduate coursework (if approved) or by completing a graduate-level course
- Recommended courses often include:
- BIOL 902 – Writing and Publishing Science (typically fall)
- BIOL 950 – Scientific Communication (typically spring)

Ethics Requirement Students may fulfill the ethics requirement by either: - Completing the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training workshop, or
- Completing a graduate-level ethics course

Electives Students work with their advisor and committee to select additional coursework aligned with their area of specialization and career goals.

8.4 Learning Outcomes

  • Core Knowledge: Demonstrate advanced knowledge within the subdiscipline relevant to the thesis research and broad knowledge of biology.
  • Critical Thinking: Critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative biological research to develop novel hypotheses.
  • Research: Apply appropriate research methods and analytical techniques to address a meaningful gap in the field.
  • Communication: Effectively communicate scientific concepts, methods, and findings to scientific audiences, stakeholders, and the public.
  • Professionalism: Conduct research ethically and responsibly while engaging with the broader scientific community.

8.5 Program Requirements and Timeline

8.6 Enrollment, Registration, and Credit Policies

Graduate students must maintain continuous enrollment in fall and spring through coursework, research registration, or continuing enrollment.

Full-time status: - 9+ credits, or
- Master’s research (GRAD 900), or
- Holding an assistantship (minimum 6 credits or GRAD 900)

Students registered for continuing enrollment (GRAD 800) are not eligible for assistantships.

Students should consult their advisor regarding appropriate course load based on research, teaching, and field obligations.

8.6.1 Course and Credit Policies

Graduate Courses - 800- and 900-level courses count toward degree requirements
- Must be taken for a letter grade (if graded option available)

700-Level Courses - Up to 12 credits may count toward graduate degree (by petition)
- Must be outside the student’s program
- Must include additional graduate-level requirements

Undergraduate Courses (<700 level) - May be taken if necessary for background preparation
- Do not count toward graduate degree credits

Audited Courses - Allowed with advisor and instructor approval
- Count toward enrollment requirements but not degree credits

Transfer Credit - Up to 8 credits may be transferred (B or higher; not counted toward another degree)
- Transfer request form: https://gradschool.unh.edu/academics/forms-policies

8.6.2 Tuition, Fees, and Financial Support

Students on assistantships (TA or RA) typically receive tuition support, and pay reduced mandatory fees. Mandatory fees remain the responsibility of the student.

  • Tuition and fee information (UNH Business Services): https://www.unh.edu/business-services/tuitgrad
  • Graduate School fee and financial support information: https://catalog.unh.edu/graduate/general-information/fees-financial-support/

Students enrolled in more than 16 credits pay additional tuition for credits beyond 16.

8.7 Research Proposal

M.S. students must have their thesis proposal approved by their advisor and Thesis Committee by the end of the second semester.

8.8 Annual Progress Review

Each spring, students participate in an annual progress review with a representative of the Graduate Program Committee.

Goals of the review: - Encourage reflection on progress and goals
- Support timely degree completion
- Provide mentorship and feedback
- Document progress and address concerns

Preparation includes: - Student progress report submitted to advisor and committee
- Advisor evaluation and summary of committee meeting
- Teaching feedback (if applicable)

All materials are submitted to the designated departmental staff member, who schedules the review meeting (typically mid-April through mid-May). Summary feedback is shared with the student, advisor, and Program Coordinator. Failure to complete the process may result in a registration hold.

8.9 Completing the Degree

Students are responsible for understanding all program and Graduate School requirements, including:

  • Coursework and competency requirements
  • Committee formation and required paperwork
  • Thesis formatting and submission requirements
  • Defense scheduling procedures and deadlines

A public seminar and thesis defense are required. The thesis must be provided to the committee at least two weeks before the defense.

Final thesis submission must meet Graduate School deadlines and formatting requirements.

8.10 Graduation

The Graduate School provides detailed procedures and deadlines for graduation, including intent-to-graduate forms, thesis submission, and Commencement:
http://www.gradschool.unh.edu/graduation.php