The program requires two years of full-time work including course work in biology and research. Eight courses (2 per semester) are required for the master of science degree.

At least five of the eight courses must be in biology, and all must be at the 600 level. BIOL 660 (Graduate research) and BIOL 680 (Thesis) cannot account for more than three of the required eight courses. Applicants whose undergraduate program is too narrow or limited may be required to take additional courses. In such cases, the student must achieve the equivalent of a B.S. or B.A. degree in biology from Bucknell University.

Candidates for the master of science degree are required to pass a course in statistics or biostatistics unless they have already passed such a course as an undergraduate.

By the end of the first semester, candidates must identify a research adviser. By the end of the second semester, they must form a graduate committee consisting of their research adviser and two other professors (one can be from outside of the department), develop a detailed program of study (approved by the graduate committee), and pass an oral defense of a written thesis research proposal.

By the end of their second year, each candidate must present a formal departmental seminar and have a written research thesis completed and approved by the candidate's graduate committee. Specific deadlines are published by the Bucknell University graduate school and the Department of Biology.