Graduate Program
in Biology

The Biology Graduate Program

The master's program in biology at Fisk University is focused on preparing students for PhD-level training in the biological and biomedical sciences or advancing their skills for careers in the sciences.

The student and advisor will develop a specifically tailored plan, including courses and other graduation requirements, during the first semester of enrollment.

Full-time graduate students are expected to complete their course work by the end of their third semester in the program.

The student and advisor will develop a specifically tailored plan describing courses and other graduation requirements during the first semester of enrollment. Full-time graduate students are expected to complete their coursework by the end of their third semester in the program.

Students who complete the master’s program in biology will be able to:

  • Search the literature independently to become aware of advances in the subject matter.
  • Develop independent research questions in the research area of their thesis advisor.
  • Possess skills to test, interpret and critically analyze data presented in the literature and obtained in the laboratory; and
  • Communicate science effectively and prepare manuscripts for publication in relevant journals.
DEPARTMENT CHAIR Brian Nelms, PhD.

Chair's Welcome Statement

Dr. Nelms serves as the Director of Graduate Studies in Biology at Fisk University and is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, as part of his involvement as a faculty member in the Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-PhD program.

Location of office: DuBois Hall
Contact Information: bnelms@big5vn.com

Academic Discipline

Our academic disciplines allow you to specialize your focus to one area of interest. They are a part of your transition into higher education which involves being aware that each discipline is a distinct discourse community with specific vocabularies, styles, and modes of communication.

Major Requirements

Requirements for the graduate biology major, in addition to the University degree requirements outlined within this Bulletin.

Course Descriptions

The course descriptions give a detailed explanation of all graduate level Biology courses offered at Fisk University.