Graduate Programs in Biological Sciences

Welcome to the Department of Biological Sciences. We are excited to have you join us this year and are committed to supporting your success both in and beyond the classroom. Whether you have questions about graduate program requirements or need guidance navigating the department, our team is here and ready to assist.

Research within the department spans an exceptional range—from the dynamics of ecosystems to the details of atomic structure. We encourage you to explore the full breadth of opportunities available and to make the most of the resources and expertise across our community.

• Biology Education
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Disease
• Neuroscience and Physiology
• Structural and Computational Biology & Biophysics

The breadth of research within our department offers exceptional opportunities, and we encourage you to fully engage with this diversity. Connect with your peers, learn from fellow students, and take the time to speak with faculty to gain a deeper understanding of the many paths available within our graduate program.

We look forward to supporting you throughout your graduate training and are excited to be part of your journey in the Biological Sciences Graduate Program.

==> Download our program brochure here for print and sharing: Biological Sciences Graduate Program Brochure

PhD Program:
This program is based on both courses (typically within the first 2 years) and research (every year). Each student must satisfy the academic requirements and perform dissertation research under a Major Professor. The current average time-to-degree is ~6 years.

• A total of 90 credits are required.
• At least 16 course-related credit hours are required with a letter grade of B or higher.
• An approved written dissertation is required for the degree.
• A successful oral defense of the dissertation is required for the degree.

MS Programs:
We offer two MS programs: Thesis and Non-Thesis. The MS Thesis program is based on both courses and research with a Major Professor. The MS Non-Thesis program is course-based only. More details of the MS programs are outlined below.

• • A total of 30 credit hours are required.
  • A total of 21 course-related credit hours with a letter grade of B or higher are required.
  • A total of 9 research-related credit hours with a Satisfactory grade are required.
  • An approved written thesis is required for the degree.
  • A successful oral defense of the thesis is required for the degree.

• • A total of 30 course-based credit hours are required.
  • No thesis or oral defense is required.

This program is for those wishing to enhance their post-graduate training and expertise by taking select courses from our graduate programs, but not seeking an MS or PhD degree.