Graduate Programs
Graduate Program Welcome
Students pursuing graduate work in biological sciences are diverse in motivation, interest, and career aspirations. For some, that will be to join biotechnology industries to pursue tools for the improvement of humanity. Others will seek to focus on academic research and teaching, and others will work to enhance the communication between scientists and non-scientists, through policy, outreach, and science communication. Regardless, all of these careers require rigorous training in the skills and habits of successful researchers.
As part of the Department of Biological Sciences mission to advance fundamental knowledge of living processes, and provide the foundation to develop therapeutic interventions for human diseases and improve the overall well-being of humans and their environment, we offer research-based Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.
The Department of Biological Sciences is unable to accept research-based MS students for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Biological Sciences Research
At the core of our program is the exciting research carried out by our graduate faculty. Our Department's research efforts are recognized nationally and internationally. An important index of scientific excellence is the level of external funding awarded to a research program: Biological Sciences faculty hold research awards ~$5,000,000 in external grants were awarded to support Biological Sciences research efforts. Graduate students will work with the nearly 40 faculty members of the Department of Biological sciences with research foci in the areas of:
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, & ‘Omics
- Cancer Biology
- Cell and Extracellular Matrix Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Genetics
- Organ Systems: Cardiovascular, Craniofacial, Eye & Lens, Musculoskeletal, Neurobiology & Molecular Neuroscience, and Reproductive Systems
- Physiology
- Science Education & Pedagogy
- Virology
Several distinguished scientists from other departments at the University of Delaware hold joint appointments in Biological Sciences and further broaden our base of research expertise. Our graduate program also participates in the "Human Health Initiative," which gives our graduate students additional training opportunities in pediatric research with scientists based at the Nemours Research Foundation, A.I. Dupont Hospital for Children.
Graduate Program Co-Directors
Erica M. Selva
Associate Professor
Office: 325 Wolf Hall / DBI Office 282
Lab: 240 DBI
Jessica Tanis
Associate Professor
Office: 233 Wolf Hall
Dual-Degree and Certificate Programs
- Biological Sciences (PhD/MBA)
- Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology
- Graduate Certificate in Bioinformatics
Research Facilities, Cores, and Affiliated Institutions
The Department of Biological Sciences offers a unique combination of state-of-the-art research facilities in a safe and very attractive campus. The Department of Biological Sciences occupies Wolf Hall and Science Center which is located on the main campus and has well-equipped laboratories for research and teaching. Various core facilities including DNA sequencing, microscopy and advanced molecular imaging, whole-animal imaging, and cellular proteomics are available in the department and affiliated institutions including the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, The Nemours Research Foundation at A.I. duPont Hospital for Children and the Center for Translational Cancer Research which is a partnership between the University of Delaware, The Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and A.I. duPont Hospital for Children/Nemours Biomedical Research.
Chemistry-Biology Interface (CBI) Program
The Delaware Chemistry-Biology Interface Program is part of the CBI training grant program funded by the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences. The program provides additional opportunities for doctoral students to gain exposure to scientific concepts, methods from both chemical and biological sciences.
The University of Delaware holistically supports its graduate students, beginning with their health and wellbeing. Benefits include a subsidized health plan and physical and behavioral health services. UD fosters a culture of academic excellence, with committed faculty and staff and access to state-of-the-art research facilities and technology. UD prioritizes professional development with job training, internships and industry partnerships. Graduates further enhance their professional growth and visibility with opportunities to work on interdisciplinary research teams, present their work at conferences and publish in academic journals. Visit the links below to learn how UD is supporting society’s future leaders, scholars, and innovators.
