Students obtain a degree through a combination of coursework and the completion of a major research project, the results of which are prepared for publication in the form of a thesis. The thesis track provides the necessary background and experience for those who plan further study for their Ph.D., for those whose employment requires research training, and for those who wish to teach in community colleges. Students in the thesis track will concentrate their coursework and research efforts in one of two areas: Molecular, Cellular and Microbiology or Organismal Biology and Ecology.