The Tailored Training program is the option that provides the greatest curricular flexibility. The principal difference between Tailored Training and training in the MCB and EEB programs is that there are no set course requirements, other than the minimum requirements set by the Biology Graduate Program. The mentor and advisory committee work together with the student to customize a curriculum that best suits the needs, interests, and goals of the student. This may be particularly advantageous for students whose primary interests encompass areas outside of or across Environmental and Evolutionary Biology or Molecular and Cellular Biology. The curriculum is unique to each student, but not isolating. The student is encouraged to participate in relevant seminars, journal clubs, or other activities attended by students in the MCB and EEB training programs, School of Medical, or College of Agriculture; none of these are restrictive.

Students admitted through the Tailored Training option enter the Biology Graduate Program directly into the lab of their research mentor. Applicants interested in admission through this mechanism should contact the faculty member with whom they wish to train and also indicate their lab of choice in the Biology application.