Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Program (ABM)
The Biology Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's (ABM) Program allows high-achieving undergraduate students to earn BS/MS degrees on an accelerated timeline by sharing up to 12 credit hours of approved 500/600-level graduate coursework between both degrees. Students majoring in biology, immunology, cancer biology, bioinformatics, genetics and genomics sciences, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, and related fields are eligible to apply. Biology ABM students complete research and advanced coursework spanning cellular and molecular biology, genetics, physiology, ecology, and other areas of the life sciences. Through this training, students develop the critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills needed for careers in research, teaching, biotechnology, medicine, science policy, conservation, sustainability, and related fields.
How it Works
Our program offers two 30-hour tracks, Thesis (Plan I) and Non-Thesis (Plan II) options.
Plan I Thesis Degree
Semester Hours: 30
Curriculum |
Credit Hours |
|---|---|
|
Shared credit, ABM coursework – see options below* |
12 |
|
Statistics – BY 555 Principles of Scientific Investigation or BY 655 Biometry |
3 |
|
Scientific Ethics for MS students – GRD 617 |
3 |
|
Colloquia – Colloquium, Seminars, Journal Clubs in Biology (2 offerings, 1 credit hour each) |
2 |
|
Non-Thesis Research – BY 698 (pre-candidacy) |
4 |
|
Thesis Research – BY 699 (post-candidacy) |
6 |
Plan II Non-Thesis
Semester Hours: 30
Curriculum |
Semester Hours |
|---|---|
|
Shared credit, ABM coursework – see options below* |
12 |
|
Biology disciplinary coursework – BY 500:696, GRD 617 |
10 |
|
Colloquia – Colloquium, Seminars, Journal Clubs in Biology (2 offerings, 1 credit hour each) |
2 |
|
Non-Thesis Research – BY 698 |
6 |
*ABM approved course list: BY 500:696; GGSC 610:635, 651:691; MIC 600:651; CNBY 600:670; INFO 601:662, 690; NBL 600:684; PY 620, 653, 687, 693. (Note: Shared credit is available only for courses that are formally cross-listed between the undergraduate and graduate degrees. Inclusion on the approved course list does not guarantee shared-credit eligibility, as not all approved courses are currently cross-listed. Students should verify a course's cross-listing status before enrolling if they intend to apply shared credit.)
Qualifications
- Minimum 3.5 overall undergraduate GPA; including science courses
- Must complete BY 123/124, BY 210 or 330, CH 115/116, CH 117/118, CH 235/236, and CH 237/238 with a C or better
- Must have earned 60 or more undergraduate credit hours to begin the ABM program
- Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 of higher in all graduate and undergraduate coursework
- Must establish a graduate mentor if completing the Thesis (Plan I) option
How to Apply
Students who meet the requirements may apply after completing the following:
- Meet with the Accelerated Learning Opportunities Manager to confirm eligibility and review application requirements.
- Meet with the Biology ABM Advisor and the Biology Graduate Program Director before applying to discuss program requirements and develop a course plan that fulfills both the undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.
- Complete the ABM Form—including all required approvals—and submit it to the Graduate School.
Contact
Biology ABM Advisor Dr. Tyna Adams at