We have two primary areas of faculty interest: environmental/ecological science and basic biomedical science. The faculty members in these subspecialties offer the student expertise in molecular biology, immunology, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, applied and environmental biology, developmental biology, microbial metabolism, physiological ecology, plant metabolism, reproductive physiology, endocrinology, regulation of plant growth, medical microbiology, population biology, and behavioral ecology.

Our programs emphasize scientific knowledge and theory partnered with hands-on experience in the laboratory and in the field. Our students enjoy individualized attention from our faculty and are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research opportunities with them.

Individualized programs are prepared to meet the needs and career plans of those enrolling. The two year M.S. degree is thesis-based and relatively structured in nature. It is designed to either prepare the student for a research career in government, industry, or academics or to continue toward the Ph.D. degree.

The Ph.D. program is organized to fit the goals of each degree candidate. A five member Ph.D. advisory committee designs a program for each candidate to suit the individual’s long-term career objectives.

Applicants to the biology program should submit the following information in addition to the online application:

1. Official academic records of all previously attended colleges or universities must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities to the Office of Graduate Admission Processing. Hand-carried transcripts, official copies marked Issued to Student, and unofficial copies are not acceptable.
2. Three letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
3. A personal statement addressing specific areas of interest; professional goals and objectives after earning a graduate degree; and, any prior research experience.
4. Official GRE test score. Candidates are encouraged to obtain a score of 150 or more in the verbal and quantitative sections and a score of 3.0 or better in the written section.

Additional requirements apply for international students. The Department of Biology requires a minimum TOEFL score of 95.

Academic Requirements
All applicants to our program should have a bachelor's degree in biology or a substantially equivalent degree with coursework indicating substantive training in the biological sciences. We prefer students to have coursework including:

• 2 year of chemistry including organic
• 1 year of math including calculus
• 1 semester of physics
• 1 semester of genetics

While there are no specific coursework requirements for admission, the admission committee, in consultation with student's graduate adviser, and the Chair of the Department of Biology may recommend additional training to be completed as a condition of admission.

Applicants who are interested in the biomedical sciences should have coursework that includes physiology, advanced cell biology, developmental biology, immunology, infectious disease and neurobiology.

Applicants interested in the ecology/environmental area should have coursework that includes plant biology, entomology, conservation biology, comparative animal physiology, comparative anatomy, microbial ecology, and invertebrate and vertebrate zoology.

Applicants should have earned a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average based on a 4.0 scale.

Additional Information
The deadline for admission and graduate assistantship consideration is March 15. Students are admitted to the biology program during the fall term only and must be full-time students. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available at the master's degree level.

Applicants to the doctoral biology program should submit the following information in addition to the online application:

1. Official academic records of all previously attended colleges or universities must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities to the Office of Graduate Admission Processing. Hand-carried transcripts, official copies marked Issued to Student, and unofficial copies are not acceptable.
2. Three letters of recommendation from professors or employers
3. A personal statement addressing specific areas of interest; professional goals and objectives after earning a graduate degree; and, any prior research experience.
4. Official GRE test score. Candidates are encouraged to obtain a score of 150 or more in the verbal and quantitative sections and a score of 3.0 or better in the written section.

Additional requirements apply for international students. The Department of Biology requires a minimum TOEFL score of 95.

Academic Requirements
All applicants to our program should have a bachelor's degree in biology or a substantially equivalent degree with coursework indicating substantive training in the biological sciences. We prefer students to have coursework including:

• 2 year of chemistry including organic
• 1 year of math including calculus
• 1 semester of physics
• 1 semester of genetics

While there are no specific coursework requirements for admission, the admission committee, in consultation with student's graduate adviser, and the Chair of the Department of Biology may recommend additional training to be completed as a condition of admission.

Applicants who are interested in the biomedical sciences should have coursework that includes physiology, advanced cell biology, developmental biology, immunology, infectious disease and neurobiology.

Applicants interested in the ecology/environmental area should have coursework that includes plant biology, entomology, conservation biology, comparative animal physiology, comparative anatomy, microbial ecology, and invertebrate and vertebrate zoology.

Applicants should have earned a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average based on a 4.0 scale.

Additional Information:
The deadline for admission and graduate assistantship consideration is March 15. Students are admitted to the biology program during the fall term only and must be full-time students. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available at the master's degree level.