Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Home / Academics / Graduate Studies / Programs and Procedures / Thesis and Terminal M.S.
The Thesis MS degree program is a 2-year program, in which a student will take 24 graduate credit hours of coursework and write a thesis. The program is well suited to students considering or planning on applying to Ph.D. degree programs in EEB and related areas. The program is also useful for students planning to enter more advanced professional degree programs (e.g., law, public health, medicine, veterinary medicine, natural resources management). It can be useful for students interested in seeking employment with environmental agencies of federal, state, and municipal government; non-governmental organizations; education; and in private industry, including environmental consulting firms.
Independent Study. At least 2 courses (6 credit hours total) must be Independent Study. Students should speak with the graduate studies committee if they want to take more than 6 credit hours in a single semester.
Masters Research Credits. Students must enroll in 3 credits of Masters Research over two successive semesters (6 credits total). Typically, students do this is the 3rd and 4th semesters. The student may register for more Masters Research credits if desired in previous semesters; however, these credits do not count toward the 24 course credits necessary for the degree. Masters Research credits are an additional and different type of credit, and they bring the total credits up to 24+6=30. Note that if all other credit requirements are met, the student can enroll in ONLY 3 hrs of Masters Research to maintain enrollment, i.e. this maintains full time enrollment (because course credits are costly this can save money).
Journal Club. Students must complete one semester of Journal Club (EBIO-6810).
Foundations Course. Students must complete Foundations in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EBIO-6777).
Benchmarks by semester. Spring semester benchmarks must be met by April 15.
For any inquiries or more information, please contact Graduate Studies Coordinator Dr. Sunshine Van Bael.
In order to earn this degree, students must have been admitted to the EEB graduate program through the regular Tulane University admissions process. Students admitted to the program must have completed the requirements for a baccalaureate degree in any discipline that includes course work in Chemistry (General Chemistry, and either Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry) and Biology (Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution). Additional coursework may be required to make up deficiencies. Students will meet with the graduate advisor prior to the beginning of his/her first semester to discuss appropriate course work for this degree.
All students seeking this degree must complete 30 credit hours of approved, graduate level coursework in EEB or other relevant departments. A maximum of 6 credits at the graduate level may be transferred to this degree program, at the discretion of the Chair of the Department.