The university offers more than 240 programs, including 25 at the doctoral level and 67 at the master's level. The Community WMU's main campus is located just off Interstate 94 and U.S. Highway 131 in the Southwest Michigan, City of Kalamazoo, which is less than three hours by car from Detroit and Chicago. With 220,000 people, Kalamazoo County is served by ample air, train and bus transportation. The sandy beaches of Lake Michigan are less than an hour's drive away, while an abundance of parks, golf courses, ski slopes, lakes and cross country trails provide year-round enjoyment. The program focuses on enhancing the ability of students to plan, carry out, analyze, and report original research.
Course work increases the scientific preparation of students and supports their research.
The doctor of philosophy in biological sciences at Western Michigan University is unique in that it combines the traditional research experience associated with a biology degree with the course work breadth and pedagogical experience so vital to careers that involve effectively communicating scientific concepts. It is a tripartite program emphasizing course breadth, formal training in teaching, and research experience in a cellular or molecular aspect of biology. Designed to be completed in four years, it prepares Ph. D.-level biologists with an appreciation of the interdisciplinary and didactic nature of biology and with an ability to effectively convey this knowledge. This program is specifically designed for students who wish to pursue teaching or teaching and research careers in the biological sciences in colleges or universities.