All non-thesis master's students are required to complete at least 30 hours of coursework, and three of these courses should be in a single area of specialization. In addition, a satisfactory scholarly paper must be written in an area approved by the student's adviser. A written comprehensive examination in three areas of biology must be passed before the degree is awarded. All requirements must be completed within a three-year period. The Ph.D. program in Biology is a research program providing maximum opportunity for the student to evolve and develop his or her capacity for scholarship and independent work.
Opportunity is provided for in-depth study in an area of specialization.
A doctoral candidate must complete at least 30 credit hours of advanced coursework, including a minimum of 12 semester hours of doctoral research. A formal preliminary examination is given to all doctoral students within the first two and a half years of enrollment in the Department. This is an oral examination that focuses primarily on determining whether the student has the proper motivation, intellectual capacity and curiosity, and educational background. The exam also determines if the student has or can develop the technical skills to successfully pursue the Ph.D. program. However, there is no formal restriction on the extent or the range of the questions asked of the candidate.