Graduation and Audits

IMPORTANT: Read about the new Biology Major Field Test graduation requirement here!  

File for graduation and generate an audit 

• View your transcripts using Student Online Services to confirm that you have all majors, minors, options, Honors College, etc. declared officially.
• File for graduation with the Registrar's Office. You should file three terms before your expected term of graduation (normally fall of your senior year), but make sure you check the graduation deadlines.
• Filing for graduation will generate a degree audit of the OSU, Baccalaureate Core and Biology requirements listed on the Biology Major Checklist.  Once completed, you can look at your degree audit using Student Online Services. The audit will be updated once a term and will NOT contain exceptions approved by the Biology Program Office and noted in your file.  

Fill out the proper paperwork and meet with your advisor

• Read and complete the Biology Major Checklist including all Baccalaureate Core and University requirements.
• If appropriate, fill out an Option Checklist.
• Compare your completed checklist(s) to your online audit.
• Make an appointment with your advisor early to review your audit and advising file.  Bring two copies each of your audit and updated checklist (option if appropriate) to discuss problems and confirm exceptions noted in your file (all exceptions must be approved by the Biology Program Office). Leave one copy of your audit and checklist with your advisor. They can follow up on issues as needed.
• Students who choose additional minors or majors must meet with the departments or programs offering those credentials.  This includes meeting with Chemistry about the Chemistry Minor. 
• Students completing more than one degree and/or major should see the double degree and dual major information.  Students completing the International Degree should also meet with Mary Ann Matzke (737-4811).  Students completing an Honors Degree should also contact the University Honors College.

Graduation and Commencement

Graduation and commencement information is maintained by the Registrars Office, and the Graduation Clerk can be helpful in answering other non-Biology questions you may have. 

All graduating seniors in the life sciences, as well as their families, are invited to a free graduation luncheon the day of graduation. Interested students must make a reservation with Traci Durrell-Khalife at 737-5335.

Professional Development and Career Resources

Past students have enjoyed taking ALS 295 The Last Year Experience during the winter term of their junior or senior year.  This course discusses and analyzes a variety of skills needed after college and how to prepare to transition effectively.

BB 405H Science in the Public Eye is offered fall term and is designed to help students effectively employ scientific communication in their professional lives.  The course consists of weekly discussions and mock interview practice sessions.  Students communication skills wil be focused appropriately on the career interest of each student - professional schools, biotechnology industry, government agency, etc.

BB 317 / BI 317 Scientific Theory and Practice is a course designed to help students approach problems scientifically, sharpen their critical thinking and analytical skills, learn the nuts and bolts of how science operates, and guide them to actively planning their careers in science through discussions and written assignments.

MB 499 Professional Skills in Microbiology is offerred fall term and helps students prepare for careers in microbiology but is also generaly useful to other biological science students, as well.  The course focuses on reading and presenting of papers, job searches, interviewing, ethical issues and many other important skills.

Career Services can help students with mock interviews and crafting of resumes and CVs.  They also have limited listings for jobs and internships (many more can be found on the web sites below), career guides and courses such as ALS 114 Career Decision Making and ALS 210 How to Be Successfull in Your Internship Search. 

Seniors may find the biology career resources helpful as they consider next steps for all kinds of careers including graduate and professional school training. International opportunities exist for students after graduation.  Students hunting for jobs should look at the internships, jobs, volunteering and off-campus research resources.