Biology

Because graduate students work directly with faculty mentors, applicants are encouraged to explore faculty research interests before applying. Students typically identify a faculty advisor whose research aligns with their academic goals and interests.

Research collaborations may also be available through external partner organizations, including healthcare systems, environmental agencies, and research centers affiliated with UWL graduate faculty.

Explore faculty research areas.

Students work closely with a faculty advisor throughout the program to develop a personalized plan of study, conduct research and complete a capstone project. The collaborative mentorship model helps students gain hands-on experience while building professional connections in their field. 

As a master’s-only biology graduate program, students do not compete with doctoral students for faculty attention, research opportunities, or laboratory resources. This allows for greater access to mentorship, funding opportunities and applied learning experiences.

Faculty research spans a wide range of biological sciences, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and specialized study. Students may also collaborate with researchers at regional partner organizations and agencies.

Faculty have expertise in areas such as:

• Animal behavior
• Aquatic science
• Biomedical sciences
• Cell and molecular biology
• Ecology
• Environmental science
• Genetics
• Mycology
• Physiology

Graduate students conduct coursework and research in the Prairie Springs Science Center, featuring modern laboratories and advanced scientific instrumentation that support hands-on learning and research training.

Located near the Mississippi River, UWL provides direct access to diverse ecological systems for river-based research and learning through the River Studies Center.