The Avian Sciences Graduate Group aims to provide broad training in the underlying principles of the biology of Aves to students who want to obtain a Master of Science degree. Birds are unique in many aspects of their biology and the wide range of expertise represented by the faculty allows Avian Sciences to offer graduate students a broad program of training with an emphasis ranging from cellular and molecular sciences to organismal sciences, to environmental sciences.

Plan I

A total of 30 units are required: 10 units of core coursework, and 20 units of elective coursework. At least 12 of the 30 units must be graduate work (200 levels) in the major subject area. At least 6 units of the 200 level course requirements must be graded. It is recommended that all program courses be taken for a letter grade unless only offered as S/U or P/NP.

Plan II

A total of 36 units are required: 10 units of core coursework, and 26 units of elective coursework. At least 18 of the 36 units must be graduate level (200 series excluding 299 research units) in the major subject area. At least 9 units of the 200 level course requirements must be graded. It is recommended that all program courses be taken for a letter grade unless only offered as S/U or P/NP. Plan II students must complete 9 units of research (299) under the guidance of a major professor. A written report of the research will be presented to the student’s major professor for evaluation.