The goal of this option is to allow academically strong students to begin work towards an M.S. degree after completing the Junior year. This will allow students to complete an M.S. degree, as well as a B.S. degree, with only one additional year in school. This option is only available to students who have demonstrated an interest in independent research before the end of the Junior year, who can meet the Biological Sciences GPA and GRE requirements for admission to the M.S. program, and who have worked with a member of the Graduate Faculty who has agreed to serve as the student's Graduate Advisor. After being accepted into the M.S. program, students who pursue this option will have to spend at least two summers doing research and/or coursework. Given its compressed timeline and academic intensity, this option is only available to students who have demonstrated a high level of academic ability.<br><br>The student will be required to complete all of the graduation requirements for a B.S. degree in the Department of Biological Sciences. That degree will be awarded when those requirements are met, typically at the end of the 4th year. In completing the graduation requirements for a B.S. degree, these students should have met all of the coursework requirements for admission to the M.S. program.