The Department offers Ph.D. degrees in two core areas. Applications must be received by February 15 for full consideration of financial aid:
.....• Molecular, Cellular, Developmental and Neural Biology (MCDN)
.....• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB).
These broadly-based core areas provide students with modern, multidisciplinary research training required for a successful career in research and teaching.

The department has a strong commitment to broad-based, integrative graduate training. with seminars and activities organized through several research centers and nearby institutions.

In the first year, students take core courses and have the opportunity to perform research rotations with the faculty. Through this experience, they are immediately immersed within a professional scientific environment. During the second year, students choose a permanent research adviser. In preparing the Ph.D. dissertation, students are expected to develop an original and significant research program. In addition, students keep abreast of the current scientific literature through specialized courses and active participation in their core area journal club. The two core areas, MCDN and EEB, have separate examinations and curriculum requirements.

M.S. degrees are also offered in the two major core areas, and in Forensic Molecular Biology and Biodiversity, Conservation and Policy