Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs

The University of Maryland offers unique opportunities for graduate students to learn in an interdisciplinary environment. With close partnerships with state and federal research organizations, students gain unparalleled access to local and global resources. The Department of Biology participates in several interdisciplinary graduate programs: 

Biological Sciences Graduate Program (BISI)

Research and training opportunities for students who are interested in pursuing doctoral level research in very diverse areas across the biological sciences. Faculty research interests span from molecules to ecosystems, including all intermediate levels of organization. Research approaches extend from the most modern approaches for studying molecules to sophisticated methods for examining global-scale climate change. Opportunities to work with faculty within the College of Chemical and Life Sciences, as well as participating faculty in other colleges and institutes of the University of Maryland and participating scientists from nearby prominent research institutions.

Sustainable Development & Conservation Biology (CONS)

Training students to become leaders in conservation biology and development programs, with the multidisciplinary, conceptual and experiential learning experience necessary to address the biodiversity crisis that now faces the planet.

Neuroscience & Cognitive Science (NACS)

Research and training opportunities in neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience and computational neuroscience with internationally-renowned faculty who interact among three campuses: in Baltimore City, at UMC and at College Park. Research programs in vision, audition, sensorimotor integration, synaptic plasticity, language and communication, learning, memory and decision making, and neuromorphic engineering.

Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences (MEES)

A unique multidisciplinary program with core strengths in areas such as restoration ecology, aquaculture, fisheries management, oceanography, marine biotechnology, toxicology, environmental chemistry, remote sensing, and landscape ecology. Collaborates with USGS, NASA, the Smithsonian, NOAA, and other widely recognized research organizations.