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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 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.
Admission Requirements
REGULAR STATUS may be granted to those students who submit the above materials if they have maintained a 3.0 GPA over the last two years of undergraduate study and average in the 50th percentile in verbal, quantitative, and analytical portions of the GRE. PROVISIONAL STATUS may be granted to those applicants who do not meet the requirements for regular status or who may required to complete additional requirements as determined by the Biology Department. No applicant will be admitted unless a member of the BSU Biology faculty has agreed to serve as that applicant's major advisor. Serious applicants are encouraged to correspond (email is preferable) with appropriate faculty members early in the process. 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. Enrollment in the program is limited. Applications for fall admission are due the previous February 1. Financial AidTeaching Assistantships that include a stipend, a tuition and fee waiver, and student health insurance are 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. Degree RequirementsA minimum of 30 credits are required. Biometry (B501), two credits of graduate seminar (B 598), and six credits of thesis (B 593) are required as part of the minimum 30 credits. The final copy of the thesis must be approved by the student's thesis committee and submitted to the Dean of the Graduate College at least three weeks before commencement.
Department of Biology For information regarding the application process, contact: Dr. Ian Robertson, Director of the Graduate Programs For other information regarding the Raptor Research Center, contact: Dr. Mark Fuller, Director of the Raptor Research Center Ms. Kathy Bledsoe, Administrative Assistant for the Raptor Research
Center Ms. Marsha Tracy, Office Assistant for the Raptor Research Center
Department Chair: Dr. Jim Belthoff
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