University Requirements
The university requirements for the M.S. degree are detailed in the Graduate Student Handbook a, published by Graduate Studies. Specific requirements include:
- Students must be in residence and be enrolled in the graduate group for at least three quarters.
- Ordinarily, all work for the Master's degree is done in residence. Work completed at another university, up to 6 units, may be credited to the degree in special circumstances. Students enrolled in a double major may transfer up to 12 units from one program to another.
- Only courses in the 100 and 200 series, completed with a grade of A, B, C or S may be counted toward the requirement.
- Student must maintain a GPA of 3.0.
- Student may choose one of the following options:
M.S. Plan I
Requires completion of 30 units of course work and submission of a thesis. At least 12 of the 30 units must be graduate work (200 level) in the major subject area.
M.S. Plan II
Requires completion of 36 units of course work and satisfactory performance on a comprehensive final examination. At least 18 of the 36 units must be graduate level (200 series) in the major subject area, and no more than 9 research units (299) may be used to satisfy the 19 unit graduate course requirement
Graduate Group Requirements
- Avian Sciences 100, Avian Biology; or WFC 111, Biology and Conservation of Wild Birds and at least two quarters of AVS 290 or PHR 290.
- Students in Plan II must complete 9 units of research under the guidance of a major professor. A written report of the research will be presented to the student's major professor for evaluation.
- General avian biology. At least 6 units from the following courses (or their equivalents as approved by the Graduate Adviser):
- AVS 103 Avian Development & Genetics (3)
- AVS 115 Raptor Biology (3)
- AVS 121 Avian Reproduction (2)
- AVS 123 Management of Birds (3)
- AVS 149 Egg Production Management (2)
- AVS 150 Avian Nutrition (1)
- AVS 160 Experiments in Avian Sciences (2)
- AVS 170 Advanced Avian Biology (4)
- NPB 117 Avian Physiology (3)
- NPB 217 Advanced Animal Physiology (1)
- WFC 111L Laboratory in Biology and Conservation of Wild Birds (2)WFC 136 Ecology Waterfowl and Game Birds (3)
- Area of emphasis. Student must choose one option and complete 6 Units of course work in that option (or equivalent as approved by the Graduate Adviser).
Avian Cell and Developmental Sciences. This specialization is intended for students with an interest in avian cells, development, incubation or tumor development.
Avian Organismal Sciences. This specialization is intended for students with interests in the whole animal organ system, e.g., physiology, genetics or animal breeding, nutrition, production, medicine.
Avian Environmental Sciences. This specialization is intended for students with an interest in the interactions between birds and the environment, e.g., ecology, environmental toxicology, environmental physiology.