Graduate Student Handbook

1 – Introduction

The School of Biological Sciences (SBS) at Washington State University (WSU) offers graduate programs leading to the MS and PhD degrees. Our graduate programs are an important part of the overall research program in biological sciences at WSU. The state-of-the-art school and campus facilities and the collegial atmosphere of SBS and the university provide an ideal setting for the dedicated student to obtain interdisciplinary training in modern science, as well as mastery of their own specialty. The school provides students with opportunities and support to work closely with leaders of their areas in both laboratory and field settings. This handbook is designed to acquaint students with the two sets of regulations and procedures that will guide them to their graduate degrees:

• the university-wide policies of the WSU Graduate School and
• the departmental policies of the School of Biological Sciences.

Failure to adhere to these regulations and to observe the degree requirements inevitably results in complications and could delay completion of the degree.

Faculty within SBS value graduate study as a period of academic growth and professional development. We facilitate and encourage students to obtain a broad working knowledge of their chosen areas. We wish you every success with your graduate program and in your future career.