The degree program is available to qualified individuals possessing a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. A biology undergraduate major is preferred. However, other majors containing sufficient biology, chemistry and math may be acceptable.
The Department of Biology offers master's degrees with programs of study tailored to the needs and interests of a diverse student population. Students may enroll on a full or part-time basis. The Department of Biology offers both thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis option is generally chosen by students with career goals which include a research emphasis. Students choosing this option take coursework and carry out an intensive independent research project under the supervision of a member of the Graduate Faculty, culminating in a written thesis based upon the research project. The non-thesis option is usually chosen by those who wish to advance their knowledge of biology but are not sure of a specific career goal or do not anticipate a research emphasis in their future.

