For Current Graduate Students

This page provides information for students currently enrolled in the non-thesis and thesis tracks of the Biology Master's Program. This includes graduation checklist for both tracks.


Guidelines for registering for class for students on teaching or research assistantships: When you are on an assistantship we want you to register for between 5 and 7 credits. If you have no past or current financial aid considerations this is all you need to do. If you are seeking deferment from past financial aid obligations or seeking current aid (i.e., obtaining a current loan) then you will need to do one of two things.

If you are seeking past loan/aid deferment your teaching or research assistantship will provide the needed credits to be classified as a full-time student. Check with Dr. Chris Oufiero () if you need help with past loan deferments.


If you are seeking current financial aid in the form of loans you will need to decide how much of a load you are seeking. If you carry a six hour load and apply for a halftime loan then you will receive approximately $20,600. However, if you are applying for a full-time loan you will need to be registered for nine hours and you will receive approximately $23,400. If you need credits to get to six or nine hours you will use thesis credits (BIOL 896); one thesis credit will be worth three credits on your registration. If you need hours to reach a six or nine credit load contact Dr. Chris Oufiero () immediately.