B.A./M.S. Commencement Project

The mentored research program culminates in the preparation of a written report of the research project, in the form of a scientific journal article with an enlarged introduction and discussion. This project is to be completed following the conclusion of the research year. The first written draft is to be submitted to the research mentor for review. The mentor meets with the student to discuss the content and writing, and requests revisions if necessary. This process continues until the mentor approves the report.

 

All revisions must be made and 3 copies of the final version submitted to the Academic Program Coordinator no later than the end of the first week in March. Papers will be distributed to a pre-selected panel of Neuroscience Faculty and Research Scientists for review. The 3 person panel will consist of the student's research mentor or designated research supervisor, the Program Director, and a third scientist whose expertise is in the area of the student's chosen research.

 

During the final week in March of each year, a B.A./M.S. Project Defense will be scheduled. The student's research mentor will head the defense panel and determine the format. In most cases, the student will give a 30 minute presentation followed by 15 minutes of questions from the panel and invited guests. The written report and oral presentation are evaluated by the Defense Panel. Passing performance as judged by the panel is required for the M.S. Degree.

Awarding of the M.S. Degree

Students admitted to the B.A./M.S. program will be awarded the M.S. Degree when they:

  • Complete all course requirements for the degree within the required one-year time frame, and
  • Achieve satisfactory performance, as judged by the Defense Panel on the final written report and oral defense of the research project completed during the research year. This will be reflected through the S/U grade assigned to the one credit B.A./M.S. Commencement Project course.

A student who does not receive a satisfactory grade for the B.A./M.S. Commencement Project course and/or does not satisfactorily meet all other degree requirements will not be awarded the M.S. Degree, but may, nevertheless, receive a B.A. in Neuroscience if the requirements for the B.A. have been fulfilled.

 

Students MUST fill in and submit an Application for Graduation their last Fall semester.