With prior approval of the program, a very limited number of students can be enrolled in the 2 Year Research Thesis Option. This option allows for qualified first year students to pursue a thesis concentration project during their first year in the program. Student participating in this option are registered in a combination of first year courses (and with approval, second year courses), and research credits equal to the first and second year term credit hour totals for Research Concentration students. The total number of credit hours for program completion is 53 credit hours, and completion of all the academic requirements for the Research Concentration is required. Students may apply for this option by request during the regular application cycle or upon registering for first term courses. Application in writing is made to the Program Director. Acceptance to this option is made on the basis of review of the student’s academic credentials, availability and selection of mentors, and program availability. For further information contact the Georgia Campus Program Director.

All students enrolled in the Research Thesis Concentration work under the supervision of a mentor who, in collaboration with the Program Director and thesis committee, ensure and validate completion of all concentration and degree requirements. Prior to their start in the concentration, all students are required to select a program approved mentor and develop with their approved mentor a schedule for completion of the concentration that includes the following components: selection of an appropriate thesis topic; thesis committee selection; development and defense (to the thesis committee) of a thesis research proposal with any necessary institutional and program approvals; participation in a journal club or a regularly attended laboratory meeting experience; creation of a schedule for the thesis manuscript development and completion. Students will be required to start in the Summer following their foundation year with BIOM 600G and BIOM 691G.

If approved, the student will still be required to complete 24 credits toward their MS degree. A minimum of three credit hours of thesis research will be required each term with the exception of credits taken at the end for the purpose of thesis completion, thesis submission and thesis defense.

** Elective courses must be approved by the mentor and course director. Elective courses can be substituted for Research credits provided students complete enough research credits to complete their project based on time frames approved by joint agreement of mentor, thesis committee, and program director. Electives can also be added as extra courses (in addition to the 53 credits required for graduation). However the student will be enrolled in these courses as out of degree and will be personally responsible for tuition payments for this course work. The only exception would be for courses that the student needs to retake or replace in order to meet the GPA requirement for the degree.

Should a student need additional time to complete their research, an extension for completion must be submitted to the program chair and approved. Once approved, the student will be required to register for a one credit Thesis Completion course; there is no tuition charged for this course.

For the degree to be conferred, the student must defend their thesis and have their thesis submitted to the library for binding. The thesis paper should be completed no later than one semester beyond defense. Should a student need an additional term to complete, they must submit a request to the Program Director for an extension. Once approved, the student will be required to register for one credit.

2nd Year Requirements Research Thesis Concentration