Students pursuing Ph.D. degrees and many students pursuing M.S. degrees do original research under the direction of a research supervisor from among the faculty in the department. The results of this research are published in peer-reviewed journals. Often, students present their work at national or international meetings of scientists working in their area.

Research in laboratories of UMBC's Biological Sciences Department covers a wide diversity of topics in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Organismic Biology and Community Biology. This diversity is a strength since students are exposed to a wide variety of research interests and ways of doing science.

Students who intend to do research will complete three research rotations in department laboratories after which they will chose a research mentor and begin their research (usually at the end of their second semester in residence).

On the hypothesis that they have more experience in research, students entering the program with an M.S. degree or equivalent are required to complete only two research rotations.