The Department offers the M.S. degree in Biology in its two core areas:
.....• 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.

Students are not accepted into the M.S. program in EEB or MCDN unless a faculty member agrees that they can work in his/her lab. Thus, if you are applying to the M.S. program you should clearly indicate which lab(s) you are interested in and you should contact individual faculty to discuss research opportunities before you apply. You should also be aware that very few students are admitted into the general M.S. program and these students, unlike Ph.D. students, usually do not receive financial support. Students interested in working towards a Ph.D. should apply directly to the Ph.D. program.

M.S. degrees are also offered in Forensic Molecular Biology and Biodiversity, Conservation and Policy

In the first year, students take core courses and perform research with their mentor. Through this experience, they are immediately immersed within a professional scientific environment. 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. Programs and requirements for the Forensic Molecular Biology and Biodiversity, Conservation & Policy programs can be found on their web pages.