The biological sciences study all aspects of life from sub-cellular processes to planetary ecosystems. We offer programs leading to both Masters (M.S.) and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees.
About graduate training in biology at UNC
The graduate programs in biology at UNC offer advanced training in the Biological Sciences and, if desired, focused training in biological education. You will work closely with a faculty advisor and mentor who will help you to customize your program of study and succeed in your educational goals. Applicants should identify faculty they are interested in having as an advisor.
- Contact us for more information
Masters Program -- Biological Sciences M.S.
General
The Masters program specializes in advanced biology content training. This degree program is ideal for obtaining the advantage that you need for career advancement, preparation for professional schools, or preparation for graduate school. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available.
The Masters of Biological Sciences degree requires 30 credits of study under the mentorship of a faculty advisor. Applicants should identify faculty they are interested in having as an advisor. The expertise of graduate faculty in Biological Sciences can be reviewed here.
Official degree requirements
Doctoral Program -- Biological Education Ph.D.
General
The Doctoral program specializes in training biologists to be experts in their disciplines and outstanding college biology teachers. This degree program allows you to choose between an emphasis on the content of your chosen biology specialty or an emphasis on biology pedagogy. Regardless of which emphasis you choose, you will be trained in some of both to give you a rounded skill-set and the expertise to seek a career as an independent scientist, a college biology teacher, or both! For this reason, our Ph.D. degree is awarded in the area of Biological Education. The graduates of our doctoral program have found 100% employment in their fields. Many of our students have multiple job offers even before they graduate. We can do the same for you.
The doctoral degree incorporates an M.S. degree (if admitted without one). Applicants should identify faculty they are interested in having as an advisor. The expertise of graduate faculty in the Biological Sciences can be reviewed here.
Official degree requirements
Funding options to pay for school
There are several options available to you for obtaining living expenses while pursuing your graduate education. These are:
- Graduate teaching assistantship (GTA): A teaching assistantship is the most common mechanism used by UNC biology graduate students for earning an income while working on a degree. These are available for both masters and doctoral students. Teaching responsibilities vary, but students typically teach in an area related to their program of study. For more information on this type of funding opportunity, please contact the School Director, Dr. Catherine Gardiner.
- Graduate research assistantship (GRA): Research assistantships are available through individual faculty persons who pay a student to work on one of their research projects. These are available to both masters and doctoral students. Interested students should inquire with faculty persons directly about this type of funding opportunity.
- GAANN fellowship: This is an opportunity available to doctoral students only. Fellowships are awarded annually on a competitive basis to new or continuing biology doctoral students. Information and application forms are available here. For specific questions related to this fellowship program, please contact the School Director, Dr. Catherine Gardiner.
Definitions, or what do we mean by...
"Content"?
Content is the meat of science. In other words, "content" refers to the facts, concepts, technical skills, and critical thinking skills that you must master to be a scientist.
"Pedagogy"?
Pedagogy is the art, practice, or profession of teaching. Pedagogy also refers to the principles and methods of teaching.
Official descriptions of the biology degree programs
The official and legal descriptions of our graduate programs in the Biological Sciences can be found in the UNC catalog.
- The most current UNC catalog can be found here.
- Past UNC catalogs (from previous academic years) can be found here.
Applying to the biology graduate program
Instructions for applying to the biology graduate programs can be found here. A detailed description of the programs' requirements, as well as application information, can be found in the UNC catalog.