The College of Integrative Sciences (CIS) BA/MA program would enable students involved in interdisciplinary research, either CIS linked-majors or other NSM majors, to participate in a five-year combined BA plus MA program for Wesleyan students. Eligible students who complete their undergraduate requirements can obtain a master’s degree upon successful completion of an additional year of graduate coursework and a thesis.
Courses
The CIS promotes an interdisciplinary and integrative approach to scholarship and learning across mathematics and the life, physical, and behavioral sciences. Similar to the CIS linked-major, the curricular emphasis is on building a knowledge base spanning multiple departments.
In order to show proficiency across multiple scientific disciplines, a minimum of 6 credits, with grades of B- or better, is required for the MA degree.
- Two credits will be earned for research leading to the MA thesis (CIS549/CIS550, Advanced Research Seminar, 1.0 credit each).
- At least two journal club/seminar courses are required and must be in two different disciplines (0.5-1.0 credits). CIS321 (Special Topics in Integrative Sciences) and/or CIS322 (Senior Colloquium II: Integrative Sciences) may be taken to fulfill up to 1.0 credit. For students that earned a CIS major as part of their BA these courses can be repeated, whereas MA students that were not CIS linked majors are required to take CIS321/CIS322.
- The remaining credits will be earned through lecture or lab courses (200, 300, or 500-level) determined by the student and mentor; a minimum of two of these must be one-credit courses and in two different disciplines. The courses may be driven by the interdisciplinary research being conducted. The course catalog contains a list of courses identified as interdisciplinary and appropriate for the college. Courses not on this list may potentially be used to fulfill elective requirements, based on consultation with the student’s CIS advising committee.
A student in the BA/MA program who earns more than 32 credits during the BA may apply excess credits toward the MA, providing that they are relevant to the research area and they have not been used to fulfill an undergraduate major requirement. All degree-seeking graduate students are required to register for at least one credit in each semester that they are enrolled in the university.
Progress and Qualifying Exams
A 3-member committee comprised of the research mentor and two CIS affiliated faculty will be established upon acceptance in the BA/MA program. The candidate will meet with their committee in early stages of research (summer/fall of fifth year) and meet with them in the second semester of their MA year (around spring break). This committee determines when sufficient experimental work has been completed and must approve the final written document. Students in this program are required to submit a MA thesis describing the research which they have carried out in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements.
Teaching
BA/MA students are not required to be teaching assistants.
Research
Research is a cornerstone of the CIS. With a faculty mentor, student researchers pursue inquiry-based learning that explores open questions and provides new perspectives. They develop the necessary problem-solving skills and build expertise at the frontiers of science. Two credits of research during the fifth MA year are required (CIS549/CIS550). The summer prior to the MA year is a valuable period to make significant progress on MA thesis research and summer funding opportunities exist for BA/MA students. Students conduct research and complete a written thesis in partial fulfillment of their MA degree. For the most recent information regarding the research carried out by faculty in the CIS, please visit the CIS website: https://www.wesleyan.edu/cis/.
Thesis and Defense
Each candidate is required to write a thesis on a piece of original and potentially publishable research carried out under the supervision of a faculty member. A thesis plan, stating the purpose and goals of the research, observational and other materials required, and uncertainties and difficulties that may be encountered, should be presented and discussed in the early meeting with the thesis committee. The thesis, in near-final form, must be submitted to the committee at least one week prior to the scheduled closed-door oral defense. In this examination, the student must defend their work and must demonstrate a high level of understanding in the research area. The oral defense may touch on any aspect of the student’s preparation.
Additional Information
BA/MA Program
The College of Integrative Sciences (CIS) BA/MA program enables students involved in interdisciplinary research—either CIS linked-majors or other NSM majors—to participate in a five-year combined BA plus MA program for Wesleyan students. Eligible students who complete their undergraduate requirements can obtain a master’s degree upon successful completion of an additional year of graduate coursework and a thesis.
Similar to the CIS linked major, the curricular emphasis is on building a knowledge base spanning multiple departments, and on conducting interdisciplinary research.
Students are advised to begin research by their junior year if they intend to pursue the BA/MA. Admission is competitive and based on GPA, faculty recommendations, and research experience.
