About This Program
The Biology M.A. program is designed for students who want to deepen their knowledge in biology and prepare for advanced studies or careers in research, education or industry. With a focus on research and advanced coursework, you will gain the skills needed to tackle complex biological questions and make a meaningful impact in the field. Read more...
Contact Information
Program Delivery
Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*
Biological scientists, all other
- 2.2% slower than the average
- 44,700 number of jobs
- $85,290 potential earnings
Biological technicians
- 4.9% about as fast as the average
- 87,500 number of jobs
- $46,340 potential earnings
Food scientists and technologists
- 4.4% about as fast as the average
- 14,200 number of jobs
- $73,450 potential earnings
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
- 3.8% about as fast as the average
- 1,050,800 number of jobs
- $62,870 potential earnings
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
- Official transcript(s) - copies of official transcripts can be used for initial application
- Goal statement
- One letter of recommendation
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
- Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
- Minimum 65 PTE score
- Minimum 120 DET score
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester
- Spring Semester
- Summer Term
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Understand advanced biological concepts beyond the scope of the typical undergraduate degree and to increase the depth of their knowledge through coursework and hands-on experiences.
- Apply scientific principles and appreciate work outside of their particular field.
- Effectively communicate about science with colleagues as well as those outside of the student's area of expertise.
- Develop the necessary laboratory skills that will allow testing of hypotheses.
Full Description
The Master of Arts degree in Biology is for students wishing to gain additional knowledge in any area of the biological sciences. This is a non-thesis master's degree designed for secondary school science teachers, individuals looking for additional background or preparation for professional school (e.g. medicine, dentistry or Ph.D. programs) and those seeking employment in life science industries in a non-research capacity.
The Biology major includes the following optional concentrations:
- The Biological Data Analytics concentration combines required courses in data analytics and elective options in biology to provide students with the understanding of the type of data collected while conducting biological research and how to analyze it.
- The Cellular and Molecular Biology concentration provides a heavy focus on cell-to-cell interactions and signaling pathways to give students a deep understanding of the cellular and molecular processes that occur within cells and physiological systems.
- The Environmental Biology concentration provides students with a balance between better understanding the relationships between organisms and the environment and how this balance can be sustained through environmental management and conservation.
- The Medical Biology concentration provides students with a deep understanding of physiological systems and the mechanisms that underlie various disorders and disease pathologies.
Students who declare the Biology major with no concentration will select their area of specialization in consultation with an academic faculty advisor.
