2012-2014 Graduate Bulletin

VI. Graduate Programs

School Of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering

  1. Master of Science in Biology, Nutrition, and Applied Statistics. These programs provide students with knowledge of current theory, research, and policy and give them the skills necessary to apply that knowledge to professional careers and advanced study. The programs require a capstone, or a thesis, and/or a comprehensive examination.

  2. Master of Arts in Biology, Mathematics, and Multidisciplinary Sciences. These programs provide students with the broad background in their fields of study necessary for excellence in the professions. They require a master’s project as part of a capstone course and/or comprehensive examination.

Particular admissions criteria and degree requirements are listed according to discipline.

BIOLOGY (BIOL)

The MA and MS degrees provide a broad background in biology, including the study of biological molecules, organisms, and ecological systems. Both degrees require 30 semester hours of graduate study, of which 6 hours may be in disciplines other than biology, 6 hours may be in Independent Studies in Biology, and 6 hours may be graduate classes transferred from other universities. For MS students, 3 hours of Research Statistics, 3 hours of Thesis Proposal, and 3 hours of Thesis Research must be included in the 30 hour requirement. The MA degree requires a Comprehensive Examination.

Admission requirements:

Applicants must submit official transcripts and official GRE scores in order to be considered for admission to the Graduate Program in Biology. Applicants must have either a 3.0 average in biology or a minimum combined GRE score of 300 on Verbal and Quantitative sections. In addition to the general requirements listed in the Graduate Admissions section of the Bulletin, the following are prerequisites for the graduate program in biology:

  • 8 semester hours in chemical principles
  • 6 semester hours of organic chemistry
    and
  • 12 upper-division hours in biology including genetics (with laboratory), ecology, and organismal
    biology.

Students with deficiencies in these areas will be required to take these courses for undergraduate credit. Courses in general physics, calculus, and statistics are strongly recommended.

Requirements for the Master of Arts:

  1. A minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate level courses. At least 24 hours must be in biology.
  2. BIOL CE90 Comprehensive Examination is required for MA candidates. Three faculty members assess the Comprehensive Examination.
  3. A minimum GPA of 3.0 must be maintained. A master’s candidate will be removed from the graduate biology program if a grade of “C” is received in two courses or if a grade of F is received in any course.

Requirements for the Master of Science:

The requirements are the same as 1–4 above, but 6 semester hours of the 24 hours in biology (see paragraph 1) must be in the thesis courses, BIOL 63TP, Thesis Proposal and BIOL 63TR, Thesis Research. MS students defend their thesis before a committee of three faculty members as part of the requirements for BIOL 63TR. MS students do not take BIOL CE90 Comprehensive Examination.

ACCELERATED BACHELOR OF SCIENCE TO MASTER’S PROGRAM

In addition to the offered MA/MS Biology programs, an Accelerated Bachelors/ Master’s (ABM) degree can be obtained if the student is eligible.

Requirements for the ABM:

  1. Students will apply by January 30 of their Junior year. Students must meet the requirements for admission to the biology graduate program. Acceptance notification will be by April 15.
  2. Complete the undergraduate program for a total of 128 hours. Up to 9 hours of graduate credit may be double counted for the undergraduate and the graduate requirements
  3. Students will complete 30 graduate hours required for MA in Biology. Nine of these hours can and should be counted toward the undergraduate degree.
  4. Senior year will include 12 graduate hours.
  5. Students should complete 6 hours during summers of the undergraduate program.
  6. Fifth year – Fall 9 graduate hours; Spring 9 graduate hours and comprehensive exam.

MATHEMATICS (MATH)

The Master of Arts in Mathematics with a concentration in Teaching is designed to produce a mathematics specialist with expertise in grades K–12 mathematics teaching and learning. The Master of Science in
Applied Statistics (a) provides students with the specific skills needed to understand and work in an increasingly complex global workplace; (b) enables students to become more effective, mature scholars; and (c) develops a well-rounded perspective of mathematics and its role in a variety of venues.

Master of Arts in Mathematics with a concentration in Teaching

Admissions requirements

Students applying for degree seeking status must fulfill the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School and the following:

  1. 18 hours of undergraduate mathematics
  2. GPA of 3.0 or better in mathematics
  3. GRE minimum score of 300 total of Verbal and Quantitative sections is preferred.
  4. Letter of recommendation by a professional in the field
  5. Writing sample submitted with the application
  6. Teaching experience at the precollege level

Degree Requirements

Mathematics (15 hours)
MATH 6334 Introduction to Abstract Algebra
MATH 6338 Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry
MATH 6336 Introduction to Number Theory
MATH 6332 Introduction to Analysis
MATH 6355 History of Contemporary Mathematics

Mathematics Teaching (Choose 12 hours)
MATH 6370 Content and Pedagogy K-5
MATH 6372 Integrated Math/Science K-5
MATH 6375 Content and Pedagogy 6-12
MATH 6376 Integrated Math/Science 6-8
MATH 6381 Integrated Math/Science 9-12

Electives (Choose 6 hours)
MATH 6385 Instructional Technology
MATH 6348 Introduction to Mathematics Education Literature
EDUC 6304 Theories of Learning

Capstone (3 hours)
MATH 6390 Capstone in Mathematics Teaching

Total (36 hours)

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED STATISTICS

The Master of Science in Applied Statistics degree provides students with the opportunity for a comprehensive study of probability and statistics with specific emphasis in research methodology, reporting, and consulting. Students completing the degree will be prepared for professional careers as research statisticians in a variety of settings including, but not limited to government, academia, and industry.

Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.75 or higher do not need to take the general GRE exam to enter the program. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA equal to 3.00 and below 3.75 are required to take the GRE exam within the first semester of the program and obtain a minimum combined score for the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning of 300 to remain in the program. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of less than 3.00 must take the GRE exam and obtain a minimum combined score for the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning of 300 before they can be admitted to the program.

The curriculum is designed for those students with backgrounds in mathematics, the sciences, and business administration. Applicants must have a working knowledge (a minimum of C in similar courses taken within the last 3 years) in the following pre-requisites:

  • Calculus I, II, III, and Real Analysis
  • Undergraduate Linear Algebra
  • Basic programming skills (Fortran, C, etc.)
  • Basic use of statistical packages
  • Introduction to Probability and Statistics
  • Introduction to Statistical methods

Consideration may be given to allow students with deficiencies the opportunity to complete the pre-requisite courses while enrolled in the Master of Science program.

Requirements for the Master of Science in Research Statistics:

Complete a minimum of 36 hours of approved graduate coursework toward the Master of Science as determined by the Department of Mathematical Sciences. There is no thesis or comprehensive examination required for degree completion.

Core Courses (18 semester hours)
MATH 6361 Advanced Probability & Statistics I
MATH 6362 Advanced Probability & Statistics II
MATH 6365 Statistical Methods I
MATH 6366 Statistical Methods II
MATH 6367 Categorical Data Analysis
MATH 6369 Design and Analysis of Experiments

Electives (15 semester hours) elected from a list of courses approved by the graduate coordinator, including (but not limited to) the following
MATH 6374 Applied Time Series Analysis
MATH 6383 Survival Analysis
MATH 6382 Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory
MATH 6332 Introduction to Real Analysis
MATH 6384 Statistical Research
MATH 6388 Approved Internship*
MATH 63CS Capstone Project*
*In cases of Internship or Capstone, a report will be generated and archived at the library.

Capstone (3 semester hours)
A “directed” elective that can be fulfilled by either an internship or a capstone experience.

Multidisciplinary Sciences

The Master of Arts in Multidisciplinary Sciences provides enhanced content preparation and classroom implementation for in-service teachers in elementary, middle, and high school science. The goal of this program is to improve student performance in K-12 science. This goal is achieved by extending teacher content knowledge in earth science, physics, chemistry, and biology, and improving instructional strategies and methods for effective science learning. Course topics are aligned with state and national standards in student performance outcomes. Instructional technology and fundamental mathematical concepts and skills also are integrated in the courses.

Admissions Criteria

In addition to the general admissions, the student must present evidence of:

  • BA or BS degree with Teacher Certification or equivalent professional experience in teaching sciences
  • Teaching experience at the pre-college level

Requirements for the Master of Arts in Multidisciplinary Sciences:

Required Graduate Courses (15 semester hours)

BIOL 6305 Topics in Ecology and Diversity
or
BIOL 6310 Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology
PHYS 6310 Energy Forces and Motion
GEOL 6310 Earth Science I
CHEM 6305 Matter, Properties, and the Periodic Table
BIOL 63CS Multidisciplinary Science Implementation

Math, Science, and Education Electives (15 semester hours as approved by the Graduate Advisor)
a minimum of 6 hours must be from a science discipline

Requirement for the Certificate in Multidisciplinary Sciences:

Required Graduate Courses (12 semester hours)

BIOL 6305 Topics in Ecology and Diversity
or
BIOL 6310 Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology
PHYS 6310 Energy Forces and Motion
GEOL 6310 Earth Science I
CHEM 6305 Matter, Properties, and the Periodic Table

Math, Science, and Education Electives (6 semester hours as approved by the Graduate Advisor)

NUTRITION (NUTR)

The Master of Science degree in Nutrition prepares students for a variety of positions in nutrition and dietetics. The graduate program provides students with knowledge of current theory, research, and nutrition policy, and prepares them to implement evidence-based practice. The Master of Science degree in Nutrition is designed to accommodate employed professionals pursuing an advanced degree, persons wishing to complete requirements for registration with the American Dietetic Association, and those seeking continuing education in nutrition. Program graduates have accepted positions in clinical and administrative dietetics, community nutrition, nutrition consulting, food service management, nutrition research, business, and secondary and college education.

Admission Criteria

In addition to the regular admissions criteria, applicants must submit the following:

  • Minimum GRE scores of 143 for Verbal Reasoning, 141 for Quantitative Reasoning, and 3.0 for Analytical Essay or
  • A previously earned graduate degree

Students must meet adequate undergraduate background requirements, including:

  • Chemical Principles with laboratory (8 hours)
  • Organic Chemistry (3 hours)
  • Anatomy and Physiology (4 hours)
  • Statistics (3 hours)
  • Biochemistry (3 hours)

Any undergraduate prerequisites not completed at the time of admission can be taken during the initial semesters of the graduate program.

Certain areas of knowledge must be mastered by all nutritionists. Upon review of transcripts a student may be required to satisfactorily complete the following courses of which 2 courses may be completed as part of the Master of Science degree:

  • NUTR 4460 Community and World Nutrition
  • NUTR 4470 Human Nutrition and Metabolism
  • NUTR 4475 Clinical Nutrition

Requirements for a Master of Science Degree:

Core Requirements: Total of 18 semester hours

  • BIOL 6392 Advanced Human Physiology
  • MATH 6363 Research Statistics
  • NURS 6311 Research I: Analysis and Interpretation
  • NUTR 6342 or NUTR 6352 Lifecycle Nutrition* or Issues in Food and Nutrition
  • NUTR 6325 Advanced Nutrition I
  • NUTR 6330 Advanced Nutrition II

*Lifecycle Nutrition is required for students who did not complete a lifecycle nutrition course as an undergraduate.
Research/Synthesis Completion Requirements: Total of 4-9 semester hours

  • NUTR 61CS/NUTR 63CS 4-6 semester hours of Capstone: Masters Project or
  • NUTR 63TP/NUTR 6XTR 3 semester hours of Thesis Proposal and 3-6 hours Thesis Research

Additional Course Requirements:

Students complete the core plus a research/synthesis component and an additional 9-15 semester hours of graduate level courses as established in the degree plan with the graduate advisor. Within these additional courses, one course must be a didactic course in nutrition. Students are encouraged to select one of the concentrations (see below) or they may select electives to meet the didactic requirements for registration by The American Dietetic Association. Students may have other courses to complete in order to meet these didactic requirements.

Comprehensive Understanding Requirement:

Completion of a M.S. in Nutrition degree requires the student to pass a comprehensive examination. The comprehensive examination covers material related to the core, and as appropriate, the selected concentration of the student. The comprehensive exam includes both written and oral components, and should be taken during the student’s last year of study.

Concentration in Administration:

NUTR 6314 Advanced Nutrition Services Administration
ADMN 6375 Strategic Planning and Policy
Electives: Student chooses 6-9 additional hours from Administration courses.

Total Credit Hours = 36 - 37

Concentration in Nutrition Education and Health Promotion:

NUTR 6464 Nutrition and Health Behavior
NUTR 6334 Nutrition and Health Promotion Practice: Program Planning and Evaluation
Electives: Student chooses 3 - 6 additional hours from the following:

  • ADED 6381 Adult Learning and Development
  • ADED 6385 Methods and Strategies in Adult Education
  • EDUC 6304 Theories of Learning
  • ADED 6388 Effective Teams and Groups
  • EDUC 6305 Multicultural Concepts in Education
  • EDPE 6381 Topics in Exercise Physiology and Fitness

Dietetic Internship:

Students apply to the Dietetic Internship separately from the graduate program in Nutrition. For information about the Dietetic Internship please contact the Dietetic Internship Director.

The Internship and the Didactic Program in Dietetics at the University of the Incarnate Word are currently granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The address and phone number of ACEND are: 216 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606; 312-899-4876.


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