About Master’s Program,
Our Department offers graduate programs leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Botany and Zoology, with research specializations that include ecology, evolution, behavior, development, comparative and environmental physiology, molecular biology, neurobiology, genetics, and phylogenetics. Our work ranges from problems at the genomic level to analyses of ecosystems. We have ongoing research in a variety of terrestrial and aquatic environments, across geographic regions (tropics through subpolar), and on a range of organisms. Furthermore, our program involves laboratory and field-based studies as well as theoretical work in our areas of expertise.
Our faculty and students value basic and integrative research (e.g., by crossing levels of organization from molecules to global systems), linking theory with data (through use of statistical and mathematical tools), using natural history to guide the development and testing of rigorous conceptual frameworks. Many of our faculty also are interested in the application and testing of basic science in applied contexts (e.g., conservation biology, ecotoxicology, human health). See the main Biology web page for general information about our program and information about faculty and their research interests. Also see the list of graduate courses that are offered in the degree programs.
The Department is primarily housed in Bartram and Carr Halls, adjacent to the Florida Museum of Natural History(opens in new tab), which houses extensive systematic and fossil collections. Additional faculty are at the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Biosciences(opens in new tab) on the Atlantic Ocean near St. Augustine. Supporting facilities include the Marston Science Library, the Health Science Center Library, the Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, Natural Area Teaching Laboratory, Katharine Ordway Preserve, the Center for Structural Biology, the University of Florida Sea Horse Key Marine Laboratory (near Cedar Key on the Gulf of Mexico), and the Archie Carr Sea Turtle Center (Click here for more information on Centers in the Department).
M.S. — Students admitted to this program complete a M.S. by conducting original research. We expect students to complete this program in 2 years. These students must re-apply to the Ph.D. program if they want to continue in our program.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
The Graduate School requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a grade point average (GPA) for the last 2 years of undergraduate studies of B (3.0/4.0) or higher for admission to the University of Florida. Exceptions to this requirement require recommendation by the department and approval by the Dean of the Graduate School.
We also encourage you to visit the University of Florida campus and meet with our faculty and graduate students. We prefer, however, that you wait to arrange a visit until we have selected a short-list of possible candidates.
Master’s Funding Coverage,
The Department will provide teaching assistantships to all students who do not receive fellowship support or research assistantships for the expected duration of the program, assuming the student continues to make timely and satisfactory progress in the program. Currently, 1/3 – 1/2 time assistantships over the 9-month academic year come with stipends of $12,600 – $18,000 plus a tuition waiver and health insurance. There is the possibility of summer teaching assistantships, although these are not guaranteed. U.S. students must establish residency in the State of Florida(opens in new tab) by their second year in order for the tuition waiver to continue. This means starting the process as soon as you arrive from other states.
For an estimate of tuition costs, please refer to the fee calculator(opens in new tab), which can estimate the fee and tuition costs. Please keep in mind that even with support the student is responsible for paying the fee portion; fees are not covered by the tuition waiver.
The Department expects that M.S. students will be supported for 2 years and that Ph.D. students will be supported for 6 (if lacking a M.S. degree). Additional support is available on an ad-hoc basis, but cannot be guaranteed. All appointments are contingent on satisfactory progress in the program.
The University of Florida offers graduate fellowships (Graduate Student and Grinter Fellowships(opens in new tab) for doctoral students). The Lucy Dickinson Graduate Fellowship(opens in new tab) in Vertebrate Paleontology is offered through the Florida Museum of Natural History. McKnight Doctoral Fellowships(opens in new tab) are available to African-American students from the Florida Education Fund.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for fellowships from other sources, such as the National Science Foundation(opens in new tab) and EPA(opens in new tab) before application to the University of Florida (see additional listings here(opens in new tab)) and through the Office of Research(opens in new tab).
Application Requirement,
Explore our degree programs.
Review the UF Graduate School Admissions Information.
Complete an application.
Submit test scores.
Send your transcripts to the UF Office of Admissions.
Submit Résumé or Curriculum Vitae.
Submit Letters of Recommendation.
Check Your Application Status.
Application Deadline,
Dec 01, 2025
Application Fee,
Complete the application and pay the $30 non-refundable application fee. Review your application carefully before submission, as changes cannot be made once the application is submitted.
