The Department of Biological Sciences offers graduate programs in biology with areas of concentration in botany, microbiology, cellular and molecular biology, genetics, physiology, and morphology of plants and animals; terrestrial and aquatic ecology; behavioral biology; conservation biology; and evolution.
Both a thesis and a non-thesis track are offered within the MS degree. The thesis track is a research-based degree and is intended for students pursuing careers in formal research or planning to continue their studies towards the PhD degree. The non-thesis track is a coursework-intensive MS degree designed for students desiring a graduate education to enhance employment opportunities or prior to obtaining a professional degree. Students may switch from the non-thesis track to the thesis track if all requirements are met and with the written approval of the student’s advisor and the Graduate Program Director.