Biological and Environmental Sciences

Curriculum

Student orientation guide Committee Composition

Annual review forms are due at the end of each academic year for every BES student.

Master of Science

Program requirements: A minimum of 30 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. This includes a minimum of six and a maximum of nine thesis credits (599 courses), a minimum of 18 credits of formal course work, and a maximum of six credits in special problems and directed studies courses.

All students are strongly recommended to take the following coursework. The student’s committee may require additional courses as appropriate.

Benchmarks

Year 1			Year 2
Semester 1	Semester 2		Semester 3	Semester 4
	Grad seminar	Program of Study		Grad seminar	Defense
		Form committee

Grad seminar: one talk on proposal, one on results; attend otherwise
Thesis defense: seminar, 2-hour oral defense

Ph.D.

Qualifying exam policy

A minimum of 72 credits of graduate study beyond the bachelor’s degree (a master’s degree may count for up to 30 credits). At least 42 credits must be taken at University of Rhode Island. Required course work and dissertation credits depend on the preparation and study plan of the individual student. All degree candidates are required to prepare a Program of Study in consultation with their major professor and doctoral committee. Written and oral comprehensive examinations and a defense of dissertation are required. A qualifying examination will be required for students who are admitted without a master’s degree and may be required for students whose prior degrees are outside of the proposed Ph.D. field of study.

Benchmarks

Year 1			Year 2		Year 3		Year 4
Semester 1	Semester 2		Semester 3	Semester 4	Semester 5	Semester 6	Semester 7	Semester 8
	Grad seminar	Program of Study		Grad seminar		Grad seminar		Grad seminar	Defense
		Form committee

Grad seminar: one talk on proposal, one on results; attend otherwise
A comprehensive exam, written and oral, will be taken within 12 months of completing the Program of Study
Dissertation defense: seminar, 2-hour oral defense