The program leading to a Master of Science degree in microbiology is designed to provide you with basic knowledge of this field, to permit you to acquire technical competence in the fundamentals of research and to foster creative and independent thinking. Two calendar years or more are generally needed for the completion of an original thesis, Plan A. Plan B generally take 2 years and does not require a thesis but requires students to pass a series of comprehensive examinations.
MS Student learning outcomes
Program Purpose
The MS degree program in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Hawaii is designed to give students advanced coursework in microbiology and an in-depth introduction to microbiology research. Students are expected to design and execute original research projects using traditional and advanced research technologies. We strive to provide each Master’s student with broad knowledge microbiology and in-depth knowledge in their area of specialization such that they can enter the workforce as professional microbiologists or continue their academic training in advanced graduate or professional programs.
Student Learning Outcomes
At the end of the program, the student will:
1. demonstrate advanced knowledge in a specialized area of the microbiological sciences and general knowledge of related areas, as defined by the student’s committee;
2. MS A (thesis) track: conduct scientific research, including critical analysis, synthesis and use of information and data specific to one’s field of study; or MS B (non-thesis) track: critically analyze, synthesize and interpret information specific to one’s field of study;
3. proficiently communicate and disseminate scientific information in oral and in written form;
4. conduct research responsibly and ethically; and
5. engage professionally and collegially with the larger scientific community and with society
Timetables
Timetable for Master’s Plan A (thesis)
First semester | • Qualifying Exam• meet with your advisor (MS plan A Form I) |
| By end of year 1 | • select and meet with thesis committee to approve thesis proposal (MS plan A Form II) and have initial assessment (Assessment Form) |
| By end of year 2 | • complete coursework requested by your advisor and the committee |
| Every year until graduation | • submit annual progress report to your advisor• meet with thesis committee • attend and give seminar (MICR 690)• register for MICR 695 |
| By end of year 2 (5 years maximum) | • in final semester, enroll in MICR 700 • apply to Graduate Division for degree (Graduate Application for Degree Form) • submit thesis to committee for review at least 2 weeks before defense, or earlier if requested by the committee • defend thesis (MS plan A Form III) and have final assessment (Assessment Form) • submit thesis to Microbiology Graduate Program and Graduate Division (MS plan A Form IV) |
Timetable for Master’s Plan B (non-thesis)
| First Semester | • Qualifying Exam• meet with your advisor (Grad Chair’s memo) |
| By end of year 1 | • meet with your advisor and choose a research topic to write a paper |
| By end of year 2 | • complete coursework requested by your advisor• Schedule written and oral Final Exams |
| Every year until graduation | • submit annual progress report to your advisor• attend and give seminar (MICR 690)• register for MICR 695 |
| By end of year 2 (5 years maximum) | • final semester, submit review paper to your advisor• pass the Final Exams (Grad Chair’s memo) and have final assessment (Assessment Form)• apply to Graduate Division for degree (Graduate Application for Degree Form) |
Program Sheet
| Requirements | MS Plan A | MS Plan B |
| Total credits | 30 credits in 400-700 level coursesAt least 12* cr. 600 and up (excluding MICR 699 and 700, including the required courses)6* cr. – can be 400 and up | 30 credits in 400-700 level coursesAt least 18* cr. 600 and up (excluding MICR 699, including the required courses)6* cr. – can be 400 and up |
| Required courses | Ethics: MICR 614 (1 cr.) or equivalent (CMB 626)Seminar: MICR 690 (register and present annually, counted up to 2 cr. toward total credit requirement)Literature Review: MICR 695 (annually, counted up to 2 cr. toward total credit requirement) | Ethics: MICR 614 (1 cr.) or equivalent (CMB 626)Seminar: MICR 690 (register and present annually, counted up to 2 cr. toward total credit requirement)Literature Review: MICR 695 (annually, counted up to 2 cr. toward total credit requirement) |
| Research/thesis Credits | 6 cr. MICR 6996 cr. MICR 700 | 6 cr. MICR 699 |
| Teaching | 1 semester full time TA | 1 semester full time TA |
| Qualifying exam | First semester (65% minimum) | First semester (65% minimum) |
| Appointment of advisor | First semester | First semester |
| Form Thesis /Dissertation Committee | By the end of 1st year | N/A |
| Comprehensive Exam | N/A | N/A |
| Final Examination | N/A | Passing written and oral examination (80% minimum for each exam)Estimated end of 2nd year |
| Thesis/Dissertation Proposal | Estimated end of 1st year | N/A |
| Thesis/Dissertation Defense | Estimated end of 2nd year | N/A |
| Additional Requirements | One peer-reviewed research publication – not counting thesis | Successful completion of a review paper |
Remember: It is the personal responsibility of each student to see that all requirements are fulfilled and all deadlines met in a timely manner. Consult the Graduate Division website, see the university general catalog and the official calendar. Graduate Chair can provide the current version of the Graduate Student and Faculty and Handbook.