The program provides the opportunity for broad training in a variety of biological areas as well as specialization in areas of particular interest through (1) the Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology (E3B) concentration and (2) the Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCB) concentration.  Selection of either concentration is optional.

The Department of Biological Sciences offers the thesis and non-thesis track within the M.S. degree.  The thesis track is designed for students whose career goals include formal research training.  The non-thesis track is designed for students whose career goals include graduate education, but not formal research experience.  Students may switch between the thesis and non-thesis tracks with written approval from their major advisor and the Graduate Program Director.