Degree Programs in Biology, Microbiology, & Biochemistry
Undergraduate Degrees | Graduate Degrees | Interdisciplinary Degrees | Minor Options
The Department of Biological Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in biology, microbiology, and biochemistry. If you have questions about the degree programs offered by our department, please contact us.
Graduate Degrees in Biology & Microbiology
The Department of Biological Sciences graduate degree programs were designed to offer a challenging, high-quality, and valuable graduate experience that prepares graduates for 21st-century careers in the life sciences. Students admitted into any of our six graduate degree programs have various funding opportunities that will further prepare them for their future careers.
For additional information regarding our graduate programs or to discuss the availability of financial support for graduate students, please contact the chair of the Graduate Education Committee or our Graduate Advisor.
Applications can be submitted at any time of the year. The final deadline for applications to be considered for fall admission is April 1 of each year and November 1 for spring admission. However, for priority consideration, especially to be considered for Graduate Teaching Assistantship support, please submit applications for fall admission by the preceding January 15th.
- Identify a Faculty Advisor and correspond with them directly by email and/or video conference. If they invite you to apply to the program, go to step 2. We can’t accept students into the program without a faculty advisor.
- Complete the Graduate Application Process.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biology
The Doctor of Philosophy in Biology degree is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the biological sciences, working in academia, industry, and government research labs. The Ph.D. degree is offered in areas consistent with professor expertise. This degree is granted for proven ability, independent investigation, and scholarly attainment in a special field. It is primarily a research degree and is not granted solely on the completion of a certain number of credits. There is not a fixed total credit requirement for this degree. Credits for the dissertation and the research upon which it is based should comprise a substantial portion of the program and involve original work. It is understood that the research for and writing of the dissertation will require the equivalent of at least one year of full-time work.
To prepare for admission to the program familiarize yourself with the:
- Degree requirements found in the course catalog,
- Graduate School admission requirements for doctoral programs,
- Detailed program information, and
- our departmental Timelines & Benchmarks for Ph.D. programs.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Microbiology
The Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology degree is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the biological sciences, working in academia, industry, and government research labs. The Ph.D. degree is offered in areas consistent with professor expertise. This degree is granted for proven ability, independent investigation, and scholarly attainment in a special field.
To prepare for admission to the program familiarize yourself with the:
- Degree requirements found in the course catalog,
- Graduate School admission requirements for doctoral programs,
- Detailed program information, and
- our departmental Timelines & Benchmarks for Ph.D. programs.
Doctor of Arts (D.A.) in Biology
The Doctor of Arts in Biology stresses preparation for undergraduate teaching at colleges and universities and the development of research abilities that complement instruction at the college level. The program is designed to provide the student with a broad background in the biological sciences, the ability to conduct and interpret research, and excellent pedagogical skills. All D.A. students are eligible for D.A. Fellowship support, which includes full tuition, benefits, and a stipend (contact the biology graduate programs director for details). The D.A. in Biology is a terminal degree that produces graduates who are both excellent instructors and knowledgeable biologists. Scholars who graduate with a D.A. in Biology are exceptionally prepared to design and teach a variety of Biology courses at the college level and have practiced doing so throughout the course of the program. D.A. Graduates in Biology have a better than 95% success rate at attaining faculty positions at colleges and universities throughout the country.
To prepare for admission to the program familiarize yourself with the:
Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology degree is designed to enable students to develop an advanced understanding of the biological sciences and the capability to teach or conduct biological research. Programs are flexible and can be tailored to satisfy the professional goals of each student, preparing students for careers in industry or for advanced study in the life and health sciences.
To prepare for admission to the program familiarize yourself with the:
- Degree requirements found in the course catalog,
- Graduate School admission requirements for other programs,
- Detailed program information, and
- our departmental Timelines & Benchmarks for M.S. programs.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Microbiology
The intent of the Microbiology M.S. program is to produce scientists with the ability to conduct independent research and to be fluent in the scientific literature. As a terminal degree, the Master of Science in Microbiology qualifies students for technical research positions in academia, industry, and government research facilities. It also prepares students to progress into doctoral programs in Microbiology and related areas.
To prepare for admission to the program familiarize yourself with the:
- Degree requirements found in the course catalog,
- Graduate School admission requirements for other programs,
- Detailed program information, and
- our departmental Timelines & Benchmarks for M.S. programs.