Graduate Programs

The choice of a graduate program, major advisor, and research topic are among the most important decisions to be made in the course of an academic career. Graduate students should develop an independent line of inquiry within the scope of their major advisor's research experience and resources. The Graduate Programs in Biology at UL Lafayette provide students with opportunities to pursue advanced studies in many areas of biology that are united by a general emphasis in environmental and evolutionary biology.

Prospective students should study the research interests of each faculty member. A brief summary of major research interests is listed for each faculty member. Consider that each incoming student must identify a major advisor, with whom s/he will work closely, and several other faculty to serve on an advisory committee. New graduate students will contact these prospective committee members soon after arriving on campus.

The Master of Science Program

The M.S. program provides an introduction to research, and can serve as the starting point for a number of different career paths. Opportunities in teaching, research, and industry are open to individuals with M.S. training in biology. Furthermore, the M.S. program provides worthwhile preparation for the pursuit of a doctoral degree.

The Doctoral Program

The doctoral program provides the opportunity to pursue a research topic in depth, as well as to acquire a comprehensive background in biology. The development and completion of an independent research investigation constitutes the focal point of doctoral training. Course work concentrates on related areas of biology and the methods and experimental designs used in research. Interactions with the major advisor, advisory committee, and fellow graduate students contribute a third, vital component to a candidate's doctoral program. Doctoral training provides the basis for an academic career that may emphasize either teaching or independent research. While there is a strong core of research activity at the organismal level, research approaches range from molecular and cellular biology to ecology and system-level studies, with many laboratories touching on both environmental and evolutionary issues. There are emphases on conservation biology, reproductive and physiological constraints on uniquely adapted or endangered or threatened species, environmental toxicology and restoration, or ecological processes in selected environments. In terms of evolutionary emphases, typical focus may be in such areas as biodiversity and population genetics, radiation in structure and function at the biochemical to macrostructural level, adaptive mechanisms and strategies in plant and animal reproduction, systematics and evolutionary theory, or physiological control of various processes.
The following documents provide important information about admission procedures and course offerings for applicants to our graduate program.

The following documents provide important information and forms
for currently enrolled Graduate Students.
MS Committee

Forms available from the Graduates School include:

Doctoral Candidacy, Masters Candidacy, Advisory Committee, Dissertation Committee,

Graduation Checklist, Petition for Regular Status, Transfer Graduate Credit