UT Tyler Department of Biology

College of Arts and Sciences

Welcome to the website of the Department of Biology at The University of Texas at Tyler. Please visit/like/follow our Facebook page  and our Instagram.

The mission of the Department of Biology is to provide a broad and well-rounded education in the life sciences for undergraduate and graduate students. We strive to sustain an environment that encourages learning, critical thinking, scholarship and appreciation for the diversity of life. We prepare our students for a diversity of careers in the sciences and integrate research as an important component of the learning experience. Our faculty and students have won many awards for teaching as well as research. We are proud of our accomplishments and help students reach their full potential, both in and out of the classroom.

The Department of Biology offers a program of study leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. The B.S. degree is designed to prepare students for a variety of career paths including industry, government, education and research. Students can choose various health-science related tracks (pre-med, pre-dental, pre-physician assistant, etc.) or careers in secondary education through the UTeach Program. We also offer courses that are required for several degree programs on campus, including nursing and health & kinesiology.

The Department of Biology is housed in a modern building with teaching and research labs that are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment on which students obtain hands-on training. All our classes are taught by faculty who are actively engaged in research and can therefore integrate research and teaching seamlessly.

The department also offers a program leading to a Master of Science degree in biology. Research areas include ecology, evolution, microbiology, physiology, molecular biology and genomics, and involve a wide variety of organisms. Students conduct research in the field and laboratory using modern technologies and are employed as teaching or research assistants. We offer two options for obtaining a M.S. degree: a research-based track that requires submitting a thesis and non-research track that does not require a thesis.

The University of Texas at Tyler is a part of the world-renowned University of Texas System. UT Tyler has a proud tradition of high quality education and scholastic opportunities. We are one of the state’s fastest growing universities, yet emphasize a personalized attention to student education. The campus is located on 200 acres with a park-like setting of trees and wildlife. 

We encourage you to explore our program and consider becoming a part of an exciting, dynamic department in a growing university. If you have any questions, please send an email to lwilliams@uttyler.edu or call 903.565.5878.

Lance Williams, Ph.D. 

Professor and Chair