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Programs

Department of Biology

The Department of Biology offers programs of research and study leading to master’s and PhD degrees in a broad spectrum of disciplines, with special emphasis on the areas of 1) cellular, developmental, and molecular- biology, and 2) evolution, ecology, genetics, and genomics. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive community that values intellectual curiosity and excellence. Our program aligns with and contributes to the University of Rochester’s mission of teaching, learning, and research.

Information about faculty and research can be found on the Department of Biology website.

AdmissionsLink to section

Applying to Master's ProgramsLink to section

Many students complete a Master of Science in biology degree before continuing their education in medical or veterinary school, while others earn their advanced degrees as part of their teaching career.

Students applying to the Biology master’s programs must have a BS or BA with majors in biological sciences or a related field.

Graduate student applications must be submitted using the online application system and include a personal statement, college transcripts, TOEFL or IELTS scores (if applicable), three letters of recommendation, and optional GRE scores.

The master’s programs may be admitted on a full-time or part-time basis and take from two to five years to complete.

Students select either a Plan A research-based or Plan B course-based program; both require a minimum of 30 credit hours for completion.

The department does not offer financial support to master’s students. Students may apply for financial aid through University Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Applying to Doctoral ProgramsLink to section

The graduate programs in Biology at the University of Rochester provide rigorous academic training and research opportunities that enable students to become independent, creative, and critical thinkers in the biological sciences.

Students applying to the Biology PhD programs must have a BS or BA with majors in biological sciences or a related field. A master’s degree is not required to apply to the PhD program. The minimum preparation is usually one year each in physics, calculus, and organic chemistry.

Graduate student applications must be submitted using the online application system and include a personal statement, college transcripts, TOEFL or IELTS scores (if applicable), and three letters of recommendation. GRE scores are optional.

PhD students are admitted to the program on a full-time basis only and offered at least five years of support (stipend, tuition, individual health care, and mandatory health fee) provided they are making satisfactory academic progress toward their degree.

AcademicsLink to section

Master's Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

The biology master’s programs (both Plan A and Plan B) require a minimum of 30 credit hours for completion.

Plan A

Plan A requires an oral examination of the student’s research and thesis and has six to 12 research credits. Students must complete at least 18 credits of formal courses offered in biology or as approved by the GAAC.

Plan B

Plan B allows students to tailor coursework to their specific interests. Students may take a maximum of six research credits and must take at least six courses offered by the department. Plan B students take a comprehensive written exam for their degree.

Doctoral Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

The PhD program requires a minimum of 90 credit hours, including required and elective coursework, seminars, and research to register for a thesis defense.

First-year PhD students rotate through three different research laboratories before selecting a permanent advisor at the end of year one.

PhD are required to serve as teaching assistants for two semesters (usually in the spring semester of year one and in the fall of year two).

Admission to candidacy for the PhD degree requires the successful completion of a comprehensive qualifying exam, which includes an oral examination and defense of a thesis proposal. This exam is usually completed by the end of the second year.

Upon passing the qualifying exam, PhD candidates may request an en passant master’s degree. 

PhD candidates meet annually with their thesis advisory committee to critically evaluate results, assign priorities, and consider alternative experimental strategies leading toward their thesis defense.

Thesis advisory committee meetings also include a discussion of the PhD candidate’s short-term research and professional goals for the upcoming year, as well as post-graduation plans.

Graduate Course TitlesLink to section

  • BIOL 402. Molecular Biology
  • BIOL 405. Evolution
  • BIOL 406. Eukaryotic Genomes
  • BIOL 414. Biostatistics
  • BIOL 419L. Genomics of Quant Traits w/LAB
  • BIOL 420. Advanced Cell Biology
  • BIOL 422. Biology of Aging
  • BIOL 426. Developmental Biology
  • BIOL 443. Eukaryotic Gene Regulation
  • BIOL 453L. Computational Bio with Lab
  • BIOL 457L. Applied Genomics with Lab
  • BIOL 459L. Applied Population Biology w/Lab
  • BIOL 460. Animal Behavior
  • BIOL 463. Ecology
  • BIOL 468. Lab in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology
  • BIOL 471. Advanced Topics in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • BIOL 478. Biochemical Mechanisms of Cellular Processes
  • BIOL 480. Graduate Lab Rotation
  • BIOL 495. Master’s Research in Biology
  • BIOL 516. Cell/Dev/Mol Biology Seminar
  • BIOL 517. Graduate Research Seminar
  • BIOL 580. Journal Club in E2G2
  • BIOL 581. Topics in Cellular, Developmental, and Molecular Biology
  • BIOL 584. Seminar in Evolution, Ecology, Genetics, and Genomics
  • BIOL 592. Classical Population Genetics
  • BIOL 595. PhD Research in Biology