Program Overview
The M.S. and Ph.D. programs in biology are geared to the needs and interests of each student. Graduate applicants should first find a faculty member with shared research interests who is able and willing to serve as their graduate advisor. Applicants are encouraged to e-mail potential advisors directly to learn about the possibilities in their labs. The department usually does not admit students unless a faculty advisor has been identified. Faculty advisors work with their students to map out the first year's coursework. During the first year in the program, graduate students interact with faculty and other students to further define their areas of interest, choose a thesis topic, and form a studies committee. During the spring semester of the second year, the student will take a comprehensive qualifying exam, which consists of a written research proposal and an oral defense. In the program's final year, a written thesis must be submitted and defended before the Studies Committee.
Please consult the for complete details on all aspects of the graduate program.
Ph.D. Requirements
75 credits are required, including a minimum of 30 graded course credits (A-F scale), 20 research credits (S/U), and 25 additional course or research credits. Four credits of graded colloquia (special topics seminars of 1-2 credits, excluding Biology Seminar, Graduate Seminar, Proposal Writing, and Ethics & Survival Skills) are required. These 4 credits will count towards the 30 required graded credits. In addition to formal coursework, all students must spend at least one semester as a teaching fellow. 
Master's of Science Requirements
For the AMP/MS in Biology, you must complete 15 graded course credits, 6 research credits, and 9 additional course or research credits for a total of 30 credits.
Master's of Science for Teachers (M.S.T.) Requirements
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and certification as a teacher of biology or an associated field. At least three years of secondary school teaching. Satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination, general (aptitude) section. Thirty hours of coursework to include a selection of courses in the Departments of Botany and Biology which will broaden and balance the undergraduate work in biology. At least two 200-level courses in each department. Courses in four of the five following areas: anatomy; morphology and systematics; genetics; developmental biology; and environmental biology. Up to 12 hours of 100-level courses may be used for the above requirements where approved by the advisor and the Dean. Appropriate courses in related science departments may be used to complete the required 30 hours. No thesis is required; however, each degree recipient must complete a written and oral examination.
Accelerated Master's Program (AMP) in Biology
An accelerated master's degree in biology can be earned in a shortened time by applying and being accepted in the junior year of undergraduate work. Biology, Biological Science, Zoology, Neuroscience, Environmental Science, or Biochemistry majors should discuss this possibility with the department’s graduate program director as soon as they think they might be interested in the program. The AMP M.S. is expected to be earned in one additional year. For the AMP, up to 9 graded graduate-level course credits (5000-level or higher) may be completed as part of your bachelor’s degree in your final year to count towards your AMP.
Biology AMP Application Process (PDF)