Graduate Overview
Advanced training. Personalized mentorship. Real impact.
The Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo offers graduate programs for curious students who want to build deep expertise through research, mentorship and discovery. With a low student-to-faculty ratio and a close-knit graduate community, you will get individualized guidance, strong training and the space to do work that matters.
You will join a research-first department that supports your growth as a scientist and a professional.
- Personalized mentorship: Work closely with faculty who guide your progress and help you shape your goals.
- Collaborative culture: Learn alongside graduate peers in a supportive community where ideas move fast and help is nearby.
- Real research impact: Contribute to active research programs that span biology from molecules to populations.
Life in Buffalo
A city with energy, culture and room to grow
Buffalo offers the culture and opportunity of a major city without the cost or congestion. You get professional sports, a nationally recognized orchestra, a vibrant theater district and one of the country’s leading art museums, all in a city that is easy to navigate. Restaurants, coffee shops and local markets make it easy to settle in and feel at home.
Love the outdoors? Lake Erie, the Niagara River and nearby state parks offer hiking, skiing, skating, camping and beaches throughout the year. Winter is part of life here and so is the energy that comes with it.
Buffalo is affordable, connected and growing. Toronto is just 90 minutes away, and the region’s expanding economy means new ideas and opportunities are always within reach.
Photographer: Douglas Levere
Our graduate programs are built around mentorship, research and flexibility, so you can choose the path that fits your goals and background. Whether you are preparing for professional school, building research experience or training for a career in scientific leadership, each program offers strong faculty guidance and hands-on learning.
- MA (SMP) in Biological Sciences: A flexible master’s program designed for students who want advanced coursework, academic strengthening or exploration before their next step. This option works well for students preparing for professional programs or clarifying long-term research and career goals.
- MS in Biological Sciences: A research-focused master’s program for students who want structured training and mentored research experience. This path is ideal if you are building a foundation for research careers or further graduate study.
- PhD in Biological Sciences: A research-intensive doctoral program that prepares students to become independent scientists and leaders. PhD students work closely with faculty mentors while developing original research, teaching experience and professional skills.
As a graduate student, you can join active research programs across areas such as:
- Molecular and cellular biology
- Neuroscience and sensory biology
- Evolutionary genomics and population biology
- Ecology and organismal biology
No matter which path you choose, you will build experience designing experiments, analyzing data, communicating results and contributing to original research.
Across all graduate programs, students will:
- Critically read and evaluate scientific literature
- Communicate scientific ideas effectively in writing and presentations
- Demonstrate mastery in a chosen area of biological sciences
- Apply the scientific method and appropriate statistical analyses
- Use modern scientific tools and techniques responsibly
Graduates are prepared for careers in:
- Academic and industrial research
- Biology and science education
- Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
- Health and professional fields
If you are ready for advanced training with close mentorship and real research experience, UB Biological Sciences can help you get there.
If you have questions about our programs, please contact:
