Type of Degree
M.S., M.S.T., Ph.D., Accelerated Entry into Master's Program
School or College
Area of Study
Program Format
On-campus, Full-time
Program Overview
The M.S. and Ph.D. programs in biology are geared to the needs and interests of each individual student. Graduate students may be admitted to work with a specific faculty sponsor, or may choose to rotate through appropriate laboratories to identify a faculty sponsor. Upon arrival, incoming graduate students take a diagnostic examination in four major subject areas. Based on the results, faculty work with each student to map out the first year's course work. During that first year, graduate students interact with faculty and other students to further define their areas of interest.
Typically, the student has chosen a studies committee, identified a major advisor, and started work on a thesis topic by the end of his/her first year. Later in the student's tenure, a written comprehensive examination compiled by the studies committee must be completed. Finally, a written thesis must be submitted and defended before the Thesis Defense Committee.
Ph.D. Requirements
A total of 75 hours, including six graduate colloquia, must be completed. Biology offers graduate courses in ecology, evolutionary biology, animal behavior, physiology, cell biology, genetics and development. Our graduate students typically take courses offered by other departments, such as biochemistry and statistics. In addition to formal course work, all students must spend at least one semester as a teaching fellow.
Ph.D. program requirements (catalogue)
Master's of Science Requirements
Four hours of biology graduate colloquia and 26 additional hours of course work and thesis research. In addition to formal course work, all students must spend at least one semester as a teaching fellow.
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 course work 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.
M.S.T. program requirements (catalogue)
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.
Biology AMP Application Process (PDF)
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes - MA and AMP
- Be able to execute scientific experiments, analyze and communicate experimental results orally and in writing.
- Have a working knowledge of the fundamental literature, concepts and ideas of field of study.
- Have a broad factual and conceptual knowledge of biology.
Learning Outcomes - Doctor of Philosophy
- Be able to design and execute an independent research project, and analyze and communicate experimental results orally and in writing.
- Be proficient in analysis and visualization of experimental results.
- Be able to articulate and defend rationale and importance of research questions, study design, and analysis of results.
- Be able to communicate general and specific knowledge and importance of findings to broad audience as well as experts within sub-discipline.
- Have a broad factual and conceptual knowledge of biology.
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Additional Information
Program Overview
The M.S. and Ph.D. programs in biology are geared to the needs and interests of each individual student. Graduate students may be admitted to work with a specific faculty sponsor, or may choose to rotate through appropriate laboratories to identify a faculty sponsor. Upon arrival, incoming graduate students take a diagnostic examination in four major subject areas. Based on the results, faculty work with each student to map out the first year's course work. During that first year, graduate students interact with faculty and other students to further define their areas of interest.
Typically, the student has chosen a studies committee, identified a major advisor, and started work on a thesis topic by the end of his/her first year. Later in the student's tenure, a written comprehensive examination compiled by the studies committee must be completed. Finally, a written thesis must be submitted and defended before the Thesis Defense Committee.
Ph.D. Requirements
A total of 75 hours, including six graduate colloquia, must be completed. Biology offers graduate courses in ecology, evolutionary biology, animal behavior, physiology, cell biology, genetics and development. Our graduate students typically take courses offered by other departments, such as biochemistry and statistics. In addition to formal course work, all students must spend at least one semester as a teaching fellow.
Ph.D. program requirements (catalogue)
Master's of Science Requirements
Four hours of biology graduate colloquia and 26 additional hours of course work and thesis research. In addition to formal course work, all students must spend at least one semester as a teaching fellow.
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 course work 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.
M.S.T. program requirements (catalogue)
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.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes - MA and AMP
- Be able to execute scientific experiments, analyze and communicate experimental results orally and in writing.
- Have a working knowledge of the fundamental literature, concepts and ideas of field of study.
- Have a broad factual and conceptual knowledge of biology.
Learning Outcomes - Doctor of Philosophy
- Be able to design and execute an independent research project, and analyze and communicate experimental results orally and in writing.
- Be proficient in analysis and visualization of experimental results.
- Be able to articulate and defend rationale and importance of research questions, study design, and analysis of results.
- Be able to communicate general and specific knowledge and importance of findings to broad audience as well as experts within sub-discipline.
- Have a broad factual and conceptual knowledge of biology.