Thesis Work & Committee

Thesis Work

The Master of Science and Doctoral programs require a thesis. The master's degree requires at least ten credits of thesis research, and the doctoral degree requires at least 30. Master of Science theses for a BCB degree will demonstrate a high level of scholarly achievement; doctoral dissertations will represent a significant, original contribution to the field. In addition to the thesis and dissertation, students will publish their work in appropriate peer-reviewed venues. Students are required to submit a copy of their theses and dissertations to the committee at least two weeks prior to the final public defense. Contact the BCB program manager when you are ready to schedule your final defense.

Thesis Committee

Each student's graduate committee will consist of at least four faculty members. This committee will represent the BCB disciplines (biological sciences, computer sciences and mathematical sciences) and will include at least three participating BCB faculty members. There is no explicit requirement for an “external” committee member, since each committee will already include faculty from at least three different disciplines. The major professor and committee assignment should be completed by the end of the first year in the BCB Program.

A yearly committee meeting is required of all students and should be documented on the BCB Research and Curriculum Progress Form (PDF) for BCB Director approval to be completed no later than the end of spring semester each year.

Faculty Disciplines for Major Professor and Graduate Committee Composition