UCF Biology is an active department, housing a diverse faculty who conduct leading research primarily in the fields of ecology, evolution and organismal biology, with a strong emphasis in conservation biology. The Ph.D. and M.S. degrees are offered as traditional research-based programs. Graduates of our programs have consistently found employment at numerous state and federal agencies, colleges and universities, as well as corporations and NGOs.

The PhD degree is largely about conducting research and developing your skills as a professional biologist. A substantial emphasis is placed on publishing results in high-quality journals, presentations at conferences, and grant support of the research. The department supports PhD students with a teaching or research assistantship, tuition waiver, and health benefits as long as students make acceptable progress toward the degree.