Graduate Programs

Please click here for important information regarding applying to the Master's program. To apply for our graduate programs, please click here.

General Program Information

The students will choose a major professor by the end of the first semester. To facilitate this decision, during their first semester, students will interview faculty members to determine their research interests and explore the potential for student participation in ongoing research programs. The major professor, in consultation with the student, recommends at least two additional members of the student's advisory committee. Persons from outside the program may also be added. The advisory committee will meet with the student to set up the plan of study based on the student's background and interests. The program must be approved by one of the program coordinators. The student's advisory committee will meet with the student a minimum of once per semester to assess progress, check the plan of study is being followed, make suggestions and provide supervision as needed. The advisory committee's composition is not binding and may be changed upon written justification. It is the student's responsibility to maintain acceptable progress toward the completion of all degree requirements.

Before admission to candidacy, the student must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School and the student's advisory committee. Before graduation, the student must satisfactorily complete a written qualifying examination, preferably near the end of the third semester. One re-evaluation is allowed/ Failure to complete the evaluation satisfactorily will result in removal from the program. The evaluation will include emphasis on interrelationships, problem solving, and analysis. Final evaluation involves an oral presentation of the thesis and an oral examination in the area of specialization.

Program Admission Requirements

Have a 3.0 overall grade point average (on a 4.0 system) in their major
An undergraduate major in the life or physical sciences, with supporting courses in general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry (microbiology concentration will accept one semester of organic and one semester of biochemistry), and one year of physics are preferred
A course in calculus and/or a course in probability and statistics is recommended
2 letters of recommendation submitted on your behalf