Program Mission: The purpose of the dual degree between the MS in Biological Sciences and the MS in Sustainable Energy is to provide an opportunity for students to take advantage of the significant overlap of research and education interests between these two programs. Students will choose the Biological Sciences thesis or internship option and conduct research, or gain experience, in a field appropriate to the scope of the Sustainable Energy program. The dual degree is designed to meet the mission of each degree program.

Admission Requirements: To be eligible for degree candidacy in both programs, applicants must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Graduate School (see “Admission to Degree and Certificate Programs”).

• In addition, applicants must file the following with the Biological Sciences Graduate Program Committee: a Biological Sciences Program Application, a statement of personal goals, and three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic ability.  Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in the biological sciences or a related field, at least a 2.75 GPA during the last two years of undergraduate study, and one year of inorganic chemistry.  At least one course each in calculus, organic chemistry, physics, and statistics is strongly recommended.  A minimum score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative part of the GRE (General) is recommended for admission.  Undergraduate course work will be used by the Biological Sciences Graduate Program Committee to diagnose academic deficiencies.  Students may be required to remedy undergraduate deficiencies by taking courses which do not count toward the graduate degree.
• In addition to the published university graduate degree status requirements, the Center for Clean Energy Research and Education (CENCERE) requires that applicants demonstrate the following: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75; Submission of a GRE or GMAT score; Relevant experience and desire to work in energy industry; For international students, an acceptable English proficiency established by the university.

Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically in the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) at the time of degree or certificate candidacy. Modifications of the standard EIU Degree Audit are submitted by the graduate coordinator to the certification officer in the Graduate School at the time modifications are approved. The Degree Audit serves as an unofficial summary of requirements for the program. Degree and certificate candidates are advised to review the comprehensive summary of the Degree Audit process specified on the “Requirements for All Degree and Certificate Candidates” section of the Graduate Catalog. Individual programs may require candidates to submit plans of study in addition to the Degree Audit, candidates should consult with the program coordinator.