- Students who begin work in biology for the degree of Master of Science must have completed a minimum of 25 hours of acceptable undergraduate courses in biology. These should include fundamental courses in botany, ecology, zoology, genetics, microbiology, and physiology.
- A cumulative total of 13 hours of chemistry, including organic chemistry, is required. However, a student may apply for certain senior-graduate or graduate-level chemistry on the degree requirements upon the recommendation of the advisor. In addition, it is advisable that a student have work in physics and geology. While a knowledge of a foreign language and of computing is not required, it is strongly advised.