In a traditional graduate program, a student might be one of a few dozen working in a narrowly defined department.  Washington University is different.

At Washington University in St. Louis, graduate students are admitted to a Division of 500 students and more than 330 faculty members from 31 departments who teach and work in 11 Programs on both the hilltop and medical campuses.  This organization fosters interaction among Programs, students and faculty. What boundaries exist are easily and regularly crossed. The Division serves scientists and their work. Each student receives personal attention, and the course of study is customized as his or her education requires.

Like the science itself, the training constantly evolves. Students can investigate several disciplines before deciding on a thesis project, and with so many faculty to choose from, the chances of finding a mentor with whom they can connect are excellent. For students who come with a clearly defined focus, the benefits of concentrating even while establishing a diverse background are unsurpassed.

A student in Washington University's Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences is afforded an excellent opportunity to become a well-trained investigator with a broad and flexible understanding of the important concepts, possessing the critical skills to conceive, evaluate and test the new scientific ideas that expand our understanding of living systems.

The Evolution, Ecology and Population Biology and Plant Biology programs are housed in the Biology department.