The doctoral degree in biological sciences is for students who want advanced skills to design and conduct independent research in the public or private sectors. Our unique program develops the process, proficiencies and critical thinking of students while developing their knowledge and understanding of science and the scientific method. A student seeking admission to the Ph.D. program in biological sciences must meet all the requirements for admission to the Graduate School, must have a baccalaureate or master's degree in the biological sciences or a related field, and should have courses equivalent to those required for the B.S. degree at Northern Illinois University, including organismal diversity, two semesters of principles of biology, and genetics, chemistry through one year of organic, one year of physics, and mathematics through introductory calculus.