All programs are research-oriented and students begin research work during their first year.
These graduate programs prepare scholars for a variety of careers including academic teaching and research, and research associated careers in various governmental, industrial, and private research laboratories. The department is housed within the Edwin C. James Medical Research Facility of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine. There is also collaboration with research scientists at the United States Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center, whose research interests focus on metabolism of trace and ultra-trace elements. Courses in Analytical Chemistry and Biology are highly desirable. Most students are supported by Graduate Teaching or Graduate Research Assistantships.