Courses & Curriculum

The thesis track provides the research experience needed for students who wish to apply to PhD programs, teach, or work in research positions. Students complete two thesis courses, a research design course, a biostatistics course, and nine courses related to their research interests.

The non-thesis track is similar to the thesis track and also takes two years, but the scientific inquiry can be an applied research project, rather than the pure, basic research required for a thesis project. For example, a student might wish to explore different pedagogical strategies for teaching high school students or perform environmental monitoring. Students complete an independent study project, a course in study design, a course in biostatistics, a course in scientific dissemination, and nine courses related to biological interests.

These are examples of degree progressions and schedules for a full-time student. These are for representative purposes only. Students' degree progression is determined by their concentrations, start dates, and other choices in conjunction with an academic advisor.