Biological Sciences
Location: Ross Hall 2480
Telephone: 970.351.2921
Faculty: Rick Adams, Ph.D.; Chhandak Basu, Ph.D.; Lauryn Benedict, Ph.D.; Patrick Burns, Ph.D.; Gregory K. DeKrey, Ph.D.; Ginger Fisher, Ph.D.; Scott B. Franklin, Ph.D.; Catherine S. Gardiner, Ph.D.; Teresa M. Higgins, Ph.D.; Richard Robert Jurin, Ph.D.; Susan M. Keenan, Ph.D.; Judith Leatherman, Ph.D.; Stephen P. Mackessy, Ph.D.; Mitchell McGlaughlin, Ph.D.; Robert Reinsvold, Ph.D.; Tony Schountz, Ph.D.; Leah Sheridan, Ph.D.; Frank A. Skufca, M.S.; Mark P. Thomas, Ph.D.; Cindy White, Ph.D.
Emeritus Faculty : Warren R. Buss, Ph.D.; Margaret E. Heimbrook, Ph.D.; Kathleen S. Jones, Ph.D..; Charles E. Olmsted, III, Ph.D.; Gerald W. Saunders, Ph.D.
Biological Sciences M.S.
Admission . Before admission to the program, students should have completed at least four courses in biology and a combined total of three courses in the supporting areas of chemistry, calculus or physics. Students entering the program with deficiencies in coursework will be required to complete coursework based on recommendations of the graduate committee, the school director and the advisor. The following application materials should be submitted to the Graduate School:
- Application form and fee
- Official transcripts
- A letter of intent including research/teaching interests and goals
- Three letters of recommendation
- General GRE scores
- Subject GRE scores from either the biology or biochemistry, cell and molecular biology subject test are required prior to admittance or within the first semester of attendance
Students are strongly encouraged to review the research areas of the Biology faculty on our website and contact faculty in whose research they are interested.
The student must meet with a graduate advisor and graduate committee during the first semester of the program to determine a course of study.
Non-Thesis Emphasis
The non-thesis emphasis is designed to be as flexible as possible. It is intended for those who wish to expand their background in biological sciences content, including biology and science teachers. Non-thesis students must pass an examination to be administered by the advisor in the form of a written paper or equivalent project covering some aspect of their program of study.
Thesis Emphasis
This emphasis is designed for students wishing to broaden their background in the biological sciences and to develop research skills in preparation for a doctoral program, or technical or research career. Students will gain background in biology content and in research to allow them to enter professional fields of biology requiring advanced training or to pursue advanced studies. Results of the thesis research must be presented orally in a seminar to the faculty in the School of Biological Sciences during the last semester prior to graduation.
For degree and program requirements see:
Biological Sciences M.S.
Biomedical Science M.B.S.
Admission. Before admission to the program, students must have completed a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and have a strong background in the sciences.
The following application materials should be submitted to the Graduate School:
- Application form and fee
- Official transcripts
- A letter of intent
- Three letters of recommendation accompanied by recommendation forms
- General GRE scores or MCAT scores
Application deadline: April 15th.
The Master's in Biomedical Science program has been designed to provide academic enhancement within a one-year time-frame to improve or substantially expand a post-graduate student's overall scholastic credentials. The program will provide a foundation in basic biology that underlies and supports medicine and therefore provides a strong framework for professional school curricula. The MBS program is appropriate for students considering a future in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or biomedically related Ph.D. programs. Students will be required to pass a comprehensive examination covering material from core courses in order to graduate from the program.
For degree and program requirements see:
Biomedical Science M.B.S.
Biological Education Ph.D.
This program is designed for graduate students interested in specializing in either biology education or an area of the biological sciences that matches current faculty interests and expertise. Areas of emphasis in this program prepare students to conduct and supervise biological or pedagogical research and to instruct biology courses at the college or university level.
Admission. Before admission to the program, students should have completed at least four courses in biology and a combined total of three courses in the supporting areas of chemistry, calculus or physics. Students entering the program with deficiencies in coursework will be required to complete coursework based on recommendations of the graduate committee, the school director and the advisor. The following application materials should be submitted to the Graduate School:
- Application form and fee
- Official transcripts
- A letter of intent including research/teaching interests and goals
- Three letters of recommendation
- General GRE scores
- Subject GRE scores from either the biology or biochemistry, cell and molecular biology subject test are required prior to admittance or within the first semester of attendance.
Students are strongly encouraged to review the research areas of the Biology faculty on our website and contact faculty in whose research they are interested.
The student must meet with a graduate advisor and graduate committee no later than the second semester of the program to determine a course of study.
For degree and program requirements see:
Biological Education Ph.D.