Masters in Raptor Biology

The Master of Science in Raptor Biology is designed for students, holding or expecting a bachelor degree in one of the disciplines of the biological sciences, to enhance their knowledge and understanding of raptor biology and ecology. The Snake River Birds of Prey Natural Area, with the largest concentration of nesting raptors in North America, is a unique resource for the study of raptor biology and ecology.  Furthermore, the Idaho Bird Observatory, a trapping and banding station, offers opportunities to study raptor migration. Raptor biologists working for state, federal, and private organizations located in Boise offer additional expertise and research opportunities.  The Raptor Research Center at Boise State supports the graduate program and research on raptors.

Admission Requirements
 
All individuals admitted to REGULAR STATUS as graduate students in biology must have:

• an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4 point system
• results that average in the 50th or higher percentile in the verbal, quantitative, and analytical portions of the general GRE exam
• an undergraduate degree in biology or a closely related field

PROVISIONAL STATUS may be granted to those otherwise promising applicants who do not meet GPA or GRE requirements or who have undergraduate coursework deficiencies.
 
Applicants are encouraged to correspond with faculty concerning openings and potential research opportunities in their laboratories for graduate students.
 
The Graduate Coordinating Committee evaluates applicants and makes decisions about who will be accepted into the graduate program. For those applicants admitted to the program, this committee also will, in cooperation with the student's major professor and advisory committee, assess progress in thesis/project research, progress and performance in coursework, and performance as a teaching assistant (where applicable). Continuing enrollment in the program requires a 3.0 GPA and satisfactory progress toward completing the degree.
 
Each student will form a thesis/project advisory committee, which will consist of at least three members: the student's major professor (a Boise State University faculty member) and two other members from the Boise State University faculty or other institutions. The committee will determine if academic deficiencies exist that must be remedied, help design thesis/project research, help choose appropriate graduate coursework, evaluate the thesis/project, and conduct the final defense.
 
Financial Aid
Teaching Assistantships that include a stipend, a tuition and fee waiver, and student health insurance will be available on a competitive basis. Additional support for master's research projects may be available from faculty members. Other forms of financial aid, such as loans or the College Work Study Program, are available to graduate students. Prospective students should contact the Financial Aid Office and consult the Boise State University catalog Curriculum and Graduation Requirements.

Degree Requirements
The M.S. is a research-based degree. The M.S. candidate will complete a thesis based on original research carried out by the student. Ideally, the thesis should make a significant contribution to the body of scientific knowledge and be of sufficient quality to warrant publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
 
The M.A., Project Option is an application-based degree and is considered to be a terminal degree (except for students intending to attend professional school); students wishing to later pursue a Ph.D. should enroll in the M.S. program. In addition to completing substantial course work, the M.A. candidate will complete a project that may be an application or synthesis of original research carried out by others. Examples of such projects include development of biology-based curricula, compilation and analysis of studies on a range of species, review and the synthesis of a body of ideas or data, and development of a resource management plan based on relevant studies.
 
The M.A., Examination Option is a course work-based degree and is considered to be a terminal degree (except for students intending to attend professional school); students wishing to later pursue a Ph.D. should enroll in the M.S. program. The M.A. candidate will complete a wide range of relevant course work. At the end of course work, the candidate will be required to pass a comprehensive examination. The examination is to be tailored by each candidates' committee to emphasize the areas covered by course work. After the candidate has completed the written portion of the examination, the candidate will meet with the committee for an oral review prior to final approval or rejection of the written examination.
 
Completion of a degree program requires an average grade of B or better for all courses applied to the 30-33 credits required. All requirements for the degree and graduation must be completed within a period of seven years. M.S. students and M.A., Project Option students will be expected to produce a written thesis/project proposal and give an oral presentation of that proposal during their first year and, following completion of the thesis/project, give an oral defense of the thesis/project and an exit seminar to present results to the public.
 

For information, contact Dr. Ian Robertson, Director of Graduate Studies
208-426-2394 or iroberts@boisestate.edu .