The Department of Biological Sciences offers the Master of Science degree in biological sciences. Students choose between a thesis or non-thesis option, which each require 30 hours of credit. The nonthesis option requires 30 hours of course work and a comprehensive exam, and the thesis option requires 24 hours of course work, a thesis(that includes 6 hours of research), and a comprehensive exam. At least two credit hours in either option would be in seminar (discussion) courses. The nonthesis option is considered a terminal degree; therefore, students wishing to pursue higher degrees should take the thesis option. Comprehensive exams will be oral, written, or both at the discretion of the advisor.