The Thesis Plan (Plan I) is a research-intensive program designed for students pursuing doctoral studies or careers in scientific research. Students conduct original research under the guidance of a faculty advisor and complete a formal thesis defense.

• 30 total credit hours
• 24 credit hours of graduate coursework
• 6 credit hours of thesis (BIOL 5306)
• Up to 9 credits allowed from Research Problems courses (BIOL 5102, 5202, or 5320)
• Original research project required
• Completion and oral defense of a written thesis
• Designed for students planning to pursue a Ph.D. or research-focused career

View Suggested Plan of Study (PDF)

The Research Project Plan (Plan II) is ideal for students seeking applied experience in biological sciences without committing to a full thesis. It combines coursework with a faculty-supervised research project and written report.

• 30 total credit hours
• Includes 3 credits of Graduate Research Project (BIOL 5305)
• Research project with final manuscript (no thesis defense)
• Up to 6 credits allowed from Research Problems courses (BIOL 5102, 5202, or 5320)
• Best suited for careers in applied science, teaching, or professional programs
• Before applying, contact faculty whose research aligns with your interests. Visit our Research Faculty Directory to learn who is currently accepting graduate research assistants.

View Suggested Plan of Study (PDF)

Departmental policy strongly encourages prospective graduate students to reach out to faculty in their intended research area before applying. This early contact—ideally 6–12 months prior to admission—helps applicants determine if research mentorship opportunities are available. While this communication does not guarantee admission, it is an important step toward identifying a research match.

The Course-Only Plan (Plan III) is designed for students who want to earn a Master’s degree through graduate-level coursework only, without completing a thesis or research project. This option is ideal for working professionals or students pursuing career advancement in teaching, health, or science-related fields.

• 30 total credit hours
• Graduate seminar (BIOL 5104) required in both years
• 18 credit hours of prescribed and free electives
• Optional: Up to 6 credits from Research Problems courses (BIOL 5102, 5202, or 5320)
• No thesis, project, or manuscript required

View Suggested Plan of Study (PDF)

The Health Sciences Postbaccalaureate Certificate (HSPC) is a 15-credit hour transcripted credential designed to prepare students for front-line healthcare roles or competitive entry into professional schools. This certificate pairs well with the M.S. Biology Course-Only Plan and includes both lecture and lab-based courses in key biomedical subjects.

• 15 total credit hours (5 courses)
• Required courses:
  • BIOL 5313 – Biotechniques
  • BIOL 5317 – Medical Ethics
• Select any 3 electives:
  • BIOL 5314 – Medical Anatomy & Physiology
  • BIOL 5315 – Cell Biology
  • BIOL 5318 – Medical Neurobiology
  • BIOL 5321 – Advanced Pathophysiology
  • BIOL 5322 – Infectious Disease
  • CHEM 5345 – Medical Biochemistry
• Ideal for pre-med, pre-dental, pharmacy, public health, and allied health students
• Coordinated by Dr. Maria Velez-Hernandez and Dr. Richard Laughlin

For questions about the program, please email pchs-tamuk@students.tamuk.edu.

The TAMUK Dietetic Internship (DI) is a graduate-level program designed for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree and hold a DPD Verification Statement from an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics. This program provides both academic and practical training to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

• 18 graduate credit hours in Human Sciences applied toward M.S. Biology
• Required summer courses: HMNT 5352 and HMNT 5353 (offered only at TAMUK)
• 1,200 hours of supervised dietetic practice across clinical, community, and foodservice settings
• Accredited by ACEND (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)
• Meets 2024 CDR eligibility requirements for the RDN credentialing exam
• Open to applicants with a bachelor’s degree and DPD verification statement

For more information, visit our Human Nutrition Program page or contact the Didactic Director of Nutrition at shannon.aguilar@tamuk.edu.