Graduate programs

The Department of Biology offers graduate degrees leading to the Master of Arts or Master of Science. The department also offers an advanced Ph.D. degree in biology. The latter specialized degree is attained through the successful completion of requirements as stipulated by the department and the student’s research committee (see below).

Admission requirements

Biology M.A./M.S.

Biology Continuing Teaching License

Biology Ph.D.

Biology Ph.D.

Prospective Ph.D. students are required to take Bi 698 Graduate Research Prospectus, Bi 699 Graduate Grant Writing, and Bi 520 Ethical Practice in the Life Sciences in the fall, winter, and spring quarters following admission to the program. Students must also complete 6 credits of Bi 607 Seminar, 27 credits of Bi 603 Dissertation, and 39 credits of coursework at the 500/600 level and above.

The student must also have taken a departmental comprehensive exam by the fifth quarter after entering the program, followed the next quarter by a formal defense of their Ph.D. prospectus. Successful completion of the degree is contingent on the completion of original research, and presentation of results in a public oral defense and production of a formal dissertation that is submitted to and approved by the student’s research committee and the Graduate School. Students must complete their degree within seven years of entry into the program.