Graduate Programs

The UTA Department of Biology is an exciting place to do research and to earn your advanced degree. The research faculty are dynamic, vibrant, good-natured and successful. We use cutting-edge techniques and equipment to answer questions at the forefront of human knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I support myself financially while I work towards my Ph.D.?

  • Ph.D. students are guaranteed 5 years of salary and tuition support through teaching (GTA) or research (GRA) fellowships that also cover most of tuition costs.

Why do a Ph.D.?

  • A Ph.D. degree is the primary graduate degree for students interested in conducting research that UTA Biology offers. 
  • Students who complete the Ph.D. program often go into academia, biotechnology, biomedical industries, government research, or positions in research institute
  • Ph.D. students are guaranteed 5 years of financial support and tuition support that funds students during their Ph.D., as long as they are making satisfactory progress in the program. 

Can I enter a Ph.D. program without a master’s degree?

  • Yes, in fact the majority of Ph.D. students enter the program without a master’s degree

Why do a master’s degree?

  • Get a better job, or promotion at your current job
  • Increase your competitiveness for applying to medical school

Master’s degree options:

  • M.S. (Non-Thesis) – This is a course-based master’s degree, primarily designed for either 1) professionals that want to further their education (e.g., those in industry, or in education), or 2) undergraduates that want to improve their chances of acceptance to a medical school or other graduate degree program
  • M.S. (Thesis) – This is a research-based master’s degree.

Master of Science in Biology

The program leading to the degree of Master of Science in biology is designed to provide graduate education that will prepare students for vocations in industry, government, and teaching, and to pursue further graduate education leading to the doctorate. Our program features Thesis and Non-Thesis options.

Master's Program

Ph.D. in Quantitative Biology

The doctoral program is designed to train students to apply sophisticated quantitative techniques to solving basic and applied problems in biology. Students in this program will attain substantially greater quantitative skills than in traditional doctoral programs in the biological sciences, providing them with a competitive advantage in business, industry, government, and academia.

Ph.D. Program