The graduate study program in biology leads to the Master of Science degree. The offering of a graduate degree in biology has several purposes. One of these is to offer students who have attained the baccalaureate degree in biology or other natural sciences the opportunity to broaden and increase their knowledge in the biological sciences.  Another is the opportunity for students to enter into or expand their experience in the area of experimental research in biology. These objectives may be achieved through selection of elective courses offered in this department and allied areas (chemistry, agriculture, veterinary medicine, etc.), and by the selection of a research area of concentration. The latter is with the assistance of a major advisor in the department who will usually act as the student's major professor. All graduate students are required to teach for one (1) year in the Freshman Biology Program.

The biology graduate program is designed to prepare students for further graduate work leading to a Ph.D.; to provide professional biologists with advanced research and educational opportunities; and to provide students with a broad-based graduate program allowing for specialization in the diverse fields of inquiry represented by the faculty of the department.