Students who earn a master's degree in biology have the potential to start a wide and exciting range of careers. Biology graduate students go on to become government researchers, teachers, healthcare practitioners, and more. Graduate degree programs in biology focus on life sciences and often include concentrations in cellular and molecular biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and general biology. The field of biology is broad and graduate students have the opportunity to focus their master's degree on a discipline within the field. Many programs on our list feature research opportunities in areas such as biochemistry, physiology, genetics, biotechnology, and more. With a strong scientific background, biology graduate students are prepared to launch rewarding careers or pursue a research-focused doctoral or professional medical degree.
Studying at the graduate level provides students with advanced scientific knowledge while developing an understanding of scientific literature, and the ability to design and carry out research projects. Students also build strong oral presentation skills as many graduate programs on our list give students the opportunity to present scientific material at research seminars. In most programs, students can choose between a research thesis or a written project with research conducted primarily in a library setting. Research opportunities are broad and diverse, and the programs on our list of the 50 Best Master's Degrees in Biology give students opportunities to work closely with faculty mentors to complete research projects.
An expansive field like biology gives students access to careers in academic research, medical professions, natural resource management, teaching, and more. With the growth of industries like healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, graduates with a background in biology can expect a strong job market. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts swift job growth for biological technicians, microbiologists, and biochemists, with average salaries ranging from $44,000 to $93,000 per year.
Ranking Methodology: "It's science!"
The researchers and writers at Best Master's Degrees don't make recommendations based upon preference– we back our rankings with science. Here's a quick breakdown of how we organize ranking data:
- Finances (40%)
- Academic Rigor (35%)
- Student Gratification (25%)
Nearly half of the data used to score each ranking involves finances and are acquired from sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics, the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Education, Glassdoor, and PayScale. Financial data encompasses the cost of tuition, fees, and class supplied; the average price of living; access to financial aid and social services; and lastly, the projected annual salary acquired from degree outcomes and income for loan repayment. The second largest category of information involves the quality of education, how competitive degree applicants should be for consideration, and how exclusive a degree program is overall. The final 25 percent of collected data is dependent on student and alumni reviews from sources such as PayScale, Rate My Professor, and Students Review.
Want to Learn More?
The amount of information available for specific degrees is plentiful, and Best Master's Degrees aims to provide as many resources as we can. Check out our Methodology page for more information and resource links.
#50 – Brown University
Master of Science in Biotechnology
Providence, Rhode Island
Website
Pursue advanced studies in life sciences with the Master of Science in Biotechnology from Brown University. The degree program is designed to train students in biotechnology fields, including drug and gene delivery, prosthetic devices, cancer therapies, tissue engineering, and more. The degree is offered on a thesis and non-thesis basis, however, non-thesis students will be awarded a Master of Arts degree. Applicants will need an academic background in biology, chemistry, or engineering. There is no need to submit Graduate Record Examination scores. The degree program consists of eight tuition units, with thesis students completing at least five courses in biology and science. Students work closely with a specific faculty member to complete thesis research before sitting for a final oral examination with the student's thesis committee. Related graduate degrees in Biomedical Engineering and a Master of Arts in Biology are also available.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $55,466
#49 – California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Master of Science in Biological Sciences
Pomona, California
Website
Dive deep into your area of interest with the Master of Science in Biological Sciences from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. The department's 30 graduate faculty members bring a diverse range of expertise. Students can specialize in a wide variety of areas including animal physiology, genetics, herpetology, molecular biology, neurosciences, and more. Students can participate in the university's graduate research fellowship with the City of Hope Cancer Center or receive government funding through the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine's Bridges to Stem Cell Research program. To be considered for admission, applicants should identify a faculty sponsor and complete the CalPoly Admissions Workbook prior to submitting an application. Three letters of recommendation and scores from the Graduate Record Examination are also required. Students will complete a research thesis and successful defense to earn their degrees.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,353 / $19,233
#48 – University of North Texas
Master of Arts in Biology
Denton, Texas
Website
Study for a career in biological sciences with the Master of Arts in Biology from the University of Northern Texas. The program helps students gain knowledge of scientific literature and methodologies, while also building skills in data collection and analysis. As a 36-hour non-thesis degree, students will complete coursework at the 5000 and 6000 levels. Students begin their course of study by working closely with department faculty to select an advisory committee and formulate a degree plan. The degree plan includes core requirements as well as any courses in which the student may be deficient. Students selecting the university's Master of Arts option must apply for and receive approval to complete a problem in lieu of thesis as part of the degree's culminating experience. The degree wraps ups with students presenting their problem in lieu of thesis to their committee, followed by a final oral examination. The degree also includes a foreign language requirement. Students may also choose to pursue a 30-hour research-focused Master of Science option or the university's Master of Science Biology-Teaching in the Life Science.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,852 / $20,812
#47 – Brooklyn College of The City University of New York
Master of Arts in Biology
Brooklyn, New York
Website
Tap into advanced study and research opportunities with the Master of Arts in Biology from the Brooklyn College of The City University of New York. The program affords students the chance to study cell, molecular, developmental, and behavioral biology in the department's many research facilities. Through lectures, colloquia, seminars, and laboratory or fieldwork, students gain an understanding of concepts in biological sciences. The degree includes 21 credits. Students seeking a technical, research-focused career can select the degree's research-based thesis plan. The library-based thesis plan is designed for students seeking non-research-based careers. Qualified applicants will need a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least eight credits of introductory biology and two advanced biology courses.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,240 / $14,910
#46 – Loyola University Chicago
Master's of Science in Biology
Chicago, Illinois
Website
The Master's of Science in Biology from Loyola University Chicago gives students the opportunity to study at the forefront of modern biology. The program is intended to train students in designing experiments, scientific writing, critical thinking, and communicating as both teacher and presenter. Students can customize the program to meet their career and academic goals. Available special fields of study include aquatic biology, biochemistry, cell biology, ecology, physiology, and more. The program consists of 30 credit hours, with required coursework such as biostatistics and experimental design, instruction and teaching in biology, and research. Students will also work with a faculty advisor to design a research project that leads to a written master's thesis. The program culminates with the presentation and successful defense of the student's thesis.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $44,048
#45 – Texas Woman's University
Master of Science in Biology
Denton, Texas
Website
Get real-world experience working with dedicated faculty with the Master of Science in Biology from Texas Woman's University. Students have opportunities to publish research, engage in interdisciplinary study, attend seminars, and work closely with faculty advisors to create a custom degree plan. The program provides two degree options. The research option includes 30 semester credit hours and concludes with a thesis. Students selecting the professional paper option earn a total of 36 semester credit hours and concludes with the written presentation of scientific literature. Students will work with an advisory committee to select 24 to 27 semester credit hours to complete the program's major. An additional six hours are earned through a minor, typically biochemistry. To gain admission, applicants will need an undergraduate degree in biology or its equivalent plus a score on the Graduate Record Exam. International applicants will need to verify English speaking proficiency to gain admission.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,796 / $17,756
#44 – California State University, Stanislaus
Master of Science in Biological Sciences
Turlock, California
Website
Launch your career or prepare for further academic study with the Master of Science in Biological Sciences from the California State University, Stanislaus. The program offers students advanced academic preparation and a diverse range of research experiences. Students completing the two-year program will work closely with a faculty advisor to design and execute a research-based thesis project. Core coursework includes topics such as writing in biological sciences, experimental design and analysis, directed research, and two seminar courses. Students also select ten elective units to tailor the degree to their interests. Students successfully completing the program are required to sit for a comprehensive oral examination in addition to defending their thesis project.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,072 / $18,952
#43 – Hunter College
Master of Arts in Biological Sciences
New York, New York
Website
Build your skills as a biologist with the Master of Arts in Biological Sciences from Hunter College. Students can earn this degree as a terminal degree or continue on to further study. As a constituent college of the City University of New York, Hunter College offers students the opportunity to apply graduate coursework toward a Ph.D. within the university system. Students concentrate their degrees in either molecular and cell biology, cancer biology, molecular and development genetics, molecular neuroscience, and biotechnology. The program includes four required courses in genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, and developmental biology, and culminates with a comprehensive exam and an optional research-based thesis. An undergraduate degree in biology, botany, zoology, chemistry, or a related field is required for admission.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,182 / $14,852
#42 – Villanova University
Master of Science Degree in Biology
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Website
The Master of Science Degree in Biology from Villanova University features both advanced coursework and ample research opportunities. The 30-credit program includes an originally written thesis, which students defend in a public seminar. Students work with a thesis mentor to conduct independent research to meet the degree requirements. The Department of Biology ensures that early in the first semester, students have opportunities to work closely with faculty whose research aligns with their interests. Villanova encourages active participation in department events, and students are required to attend weekly biology seminars. Course offerings include ecosystem ecology, genomics, imaging technology, endocrinology, and more. Certificate programs and a 33-credit Master of Arts in Biology, which does not include a thesis, are also available.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $53,308
#41 – City College of New York
Master's of Science in Biology
New York, New York
Website
Train in a broad range of the biological sciences with the Master's of Science in Biology from The City College of New York. The degree offers both a research thesis and non-thesis track. Entrance requirements include a background in biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus with at least a B average. Coursework includes topics in ecology, evolution and systematics, cellular and molecular biology and genetics, neuroscience/animal behavior, and other general topics. Students selecting the thesis option complete 30 credits, while students in the comprehensive exam option will complete 34 credits. The comprehensive exam includes scoring on both written and oral components.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,140 / $14,810
#40 – Northwest Missouri State University
Master of Science in Biology
Maryville, Missouri
Website
The Master of Science in Biology from Northwest Missouri State University gives students opportunities for research and advanced study of the biological sciences. The program is designed to train students to interpret and gather data in both written and oral settings. Students complete required courses and work closely with a biology graduate advisor and primary scholarly mentor to design a field of specialty. Graduates can specialize in cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology, ecology, and environmental science. Students in the thesis option will complete 32 total hours, along with designing and carrying out laboratory experiences or field research. The thesis option culminates with a seminar presentation. The scholarly paper option also includes 32 hours and is intended for students interested in traditional classroom coursework.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,844 / $13,166
#39 – Clemson University
Master's of Science in Biological Sciences
Clemson, South Carolina
Website
Build upon your research capabilities and problem-solving skills with the Master's of Science in Biological Sciences from Clemson University. This program offers both thesis and non-thesis options along with emphasis areas in cell and comparative organismal biology, developmental biology, and ecology and evolutionary biology. Background training in biology at the undergraduate or graduate level is required for admission. The non-thesis option is aimed at biological science educators, including K-12 teachers. Students complete 30 semester hours of online coursework along with a research proposal and project. Students will also produce a written document suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal. Thesis students complete 24 credits of coursework and six credits of thesis research before sitting for a final oral examination.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,374 / $37,128
#38 – Queens College, City University of New York
Master of Arts in Biology
Queens, New York
Website
Gain insight into scientific methodology with the Master of Arts in Biology from Queens College, City University of New York. Students have extensive research opportunities, and several projects have received funding from the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and more. Students can customize their degree by selecting from subprograms in cellular, molecular, and developmental biology; evolution, ecology, and behavior; physiology and neurosciences; and plant sciences. Students study in the college's core facilities or at other sites through cooperative agreements with the City University and the American Museum of Natural History. A GRE score, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and an undergraduate degree that includes at least 20 credits of advanced biology courses are required for admission.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,338 / $15,008
#37 – Tulane University
Master of Biomedical Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
New Orleans, Louisiana
Website
Earn an advanced scientific degree in just one year with the Master of Biomedical Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Tulane University. The program enhances student development through coursework, experiential learning, and communication skills. Many students use this degree program as a launching pad for admission to medical, dental, or health profession schools. The degree consists of 30 credit hours and culminates with the National Board of Medical Examiners Shelf Exam in Biochemistry. Students will have several opportunities for written assignments and oral presentations, however, a research thesis is not required. Students complete required courses in biochemistry and molecular biology, medical biochemistry, human medical cellular biochemistry, and metabolic biochemistry of human disease before selecting electives for the balance of their coursework.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $54,820
#36 – University of Florida
Master's of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Gainesville, Florida
Website
The Master's of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Florida prepares students for fulfilling careers as scientific researchers. The program admits students each fall and can expect to earn their degrees in six semesters. The degree consists of 30 credits, 12 of which are earned through coursework, and the remaining 18 credits earned through research-based courses. Students are paired with faculty mentors who serve as advisors and help design and implement thesis research projects. Students will be prepared for careers in the public and private research sectors or to pursue a Ph.D. or professional schools for dentistry, medicine, and more.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,381 / $28,659
#35 – Northwestern University
Master's in Quantitative and Systems Biology
Evanston, Illinois
Website
Apply your interest in big data to real-world problems with the Master's in Quantitative and Systems Biology from Northwestern University. Students receive intensive research and classroom-based training to build skills to launch research careers or advance to doctoral level programs. Students are highly mentored in the one-year program. Each student is paired with a Ph.D. "buddy" and has access to a faculty advisory committee. Coursework is designed to familiarize participants with systems and computational techniques, statistics, quantitative analysis, and programming in R, Python, and Matlab. Students also complete a research thesis. An optional seven-month internship in one of the university's four core facilities is also available. Upon completing the degree, international students may qualify for 36 months of U.S. employment authorization through the Optional Practical Training program.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $54,568
#34 – Michigan Technological University
Biological Sciences—Master's of Science
Houghton, Michigan
Website
Get cutting-edge training for a career as a biologist in the Biological Sciences—Master of Science program from Michigan Technological University. Offered by the university's Department of Biological Sciences, the program is set in an interdisciplinary atmosphere and collaboration with experts in forestry, chemistry, environmental engineering, mathematics, and beyond, are common. Students will complete coursework and conduct research for a graduate thesis project. The department's areas of research strength include health, ecology and environmental sciences, and biochemistry and molecular biology. To gain admission, students will need a minimum 3.0 GPA along with two letters or recommendation. An optional focus in medical laboratory management is also available. The option combines coursework in biology with businesses courses, equipping students with a background in laboratory science and management theory.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,646 / $33,726
#33 – St. Cloud State University
Master of Science in Biological Sciences or Master of Arts in Biological Sciences
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Website
With both a Master of Science in Biological Sciences and a Master of Arts in Biological Sciences, St. Cloud State University gives students multiple pathways to a science-based career. Students choose from a range of disciplines while studying in a variety of laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment in the university's Integrated Science and Engineering Laboratory Facility. The program allows students to earn either a Master of Science by completing a thesis or select the non-thesis option leading to a Master of Arts degree. To qualify for admission, students will need a minimum of 32 undergraduate credits in biology and eight in chemistry. A Graduate Record Exam score of at least 150 is also required. Concentrations in cell and molecular biology or ecology and natural resources in both the Master of Science and Master of Arts options are available.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,265 / $16,499
#32 – Michigan State University
Master of Science in Integrative Biology
East Lansing, Michigan
Website
Explore topics at the leading edge of biology with Master of Science in Integrative Biology from Michigan State University. The program admits individual students under the sponsorship of faculty members whose research matches the applicants' interests. Students also have the option to earn a joint degree through the university's interdisciplinary graduate program. The standalone degree consists of 30 credits, and students can complete either a thesis and final oral examination or work on a special problem consisting of either laboratory or library research. Students completing the special problem must also complete a final oral exam.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,460 / $39,766
#31 – University at Buffalo
Master of Science in Biological Sciences
Buffalo, New York
Website
Develop your critical thinking skills as a scientist in the Master of Science in Biological Sciences from the University at Buffalo. The program features three areas of focus within molecular biology, including gene expression, signal transduction in sensory perception and development, and evolutionary genomics and population biology. Students complete required coursework before moving onto a research project under the direction of a faculty mentor. This hands-on training develops the student's laboratory and research skills in a variety of life science disciplines. Students also take a seminar course each semester aimed at improving their oral presentation skills. Students excelling in the graduate program have the opportunity to seamlessly transition into the university's Ph.D. program in biological sciences. A non-thesis Master of Arts degree is also available.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,099 / $27,769
#30 – SUNY Oneonta
Master of Science in Biology
Oneonta, New York
Website
The Master of Science in Biology from the State University of New York, Oneonta will increase the depth of your scientific understanding. The program emphasizes ecology and environmental science, but students can pursue any area within the subject of biology. Students have access to study and conduct research at the Biological Field Station in Cooperstown, New York, which includes more than 2,600 acres of open space. The program's thesis option is designed for students interested in pursuing their education at the doctoral level. Students will manage an independent research project and develop a thesis to be presented in both written and oral forms to the campus community. The non-thesis option is designed for biology educators and includes a wide variety of elective courses. Non-thesis students complete a research paper on a single topic within biology.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,421 / $17,871
#29 – Westfield State University
Master's of Education in Biology with Initial Licensure
Westfield, Massachusetts
Website
The Master's of Education in Biology with Initial Licensure from Westfield State University will help both new and experienced educators gain teaching skills in the field of biology. Students who complete the program and required practicum experiences will be eligible to sit for the Massachusetts Tests of Educator Licensure. In addition to the practicum, the 36 credit hour program includes extensive school-based fieldwork. Students will work with a graduate advisor to determine if prior educational experience meets the program's prerequisites. A total of 24 credits in required courses include topics in teaching methods, educational planning, research in education, and secondary school practicum. Students will complete nine credits of content area coursework in biology. Additional credits are earned through pedagogical coursework.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,429 / $16,509
#28 – Drexel University
Master of Science in Biological Sciences
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Website
The Master of Science in Biological Sciences from Drexel University gives students a strong foundation in many aspects of biology. Students begin with coursework in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology before beginning their second year focused on advanced and specialized elective courses. The degree includes 45 credits and can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options along with a graduate co-op. Students interested in the thesis option will select a research adviser in their first quarter and begin an original research project in their first year. The non-thesis option is for students who don't desire direct research experience. Non-thesis students are required to pass a written comprehensive examination. The graduate co-op option puts students to work in a six-month, full-time discipline-specific position on the university's campus. Drexel's co-op, founded in 1919, is one of the oldest of its kind.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $53,244
#27 – Boston University
Master of Arts in Biology
Boston, Massachusetts
Website
Pursue advanced study in life sciences with the Master of Arts in Biology from Boston University. The program offers both research and non-research options. Non-research students can typically complete the program in one year plus a summer semester, while research students typically require two years. The program offers concentrations in ecology, behavior and evolution, neurobiology, and cellular and molecular biology. Standard students complete 32 credits, while research track students focus on a research thesis in conjunction with a faculty committee. Non-research track students will prepare a major paper based on library research. Students will work closely with a faculty mentor to guide the research paper. Several teaching assistant positions are available for graduate students, offering significant financial support.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $53,948
#26 – University of Delaware
Graduate Concentration in Molecular Biology and Genetics: Master's of Science in Policy and Curriculum
Newark, Delaware
Website
The Graduate Concentration in Molecular Biology and Genetics: Master's of Science in Policy and Curriculum from the University of Delaware is designed to give students the research skills needed to succeed in the modern job market. The program begins with required coursework in molecular biology, biochemical genetics, biochemistry, and a graduate research seminar. Students will take a written diagnostic exam after their first semester to determine their level of competence in molecular biology and genetics. The written exam is also preparation for a comprehensive oral exam taken after the student's first year. Elective coursework includes topics in mammalian physiology, cell biology, cancer biology, virology, bioinformatics, and more. In the program's second year, students will earn between 10 and 12 credits through the required research thesis. The degree requires between 35 and 37 credits.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,680 / $34,310
#25 – University of Massachusetts Amherst
Plant Biology Master of Science
Amherst, Massachusetts
Website
Study the world of plants from the molecular to landscape level with the Plant Biology Master of Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The program is unique in allowing students to select faculty advisors from four departments across campus, including biochemistry and molecular biology, biology, environmental conservation, and agriculture. This academic diversity allows students to select focus areas in cell developmental biology, evolution and ecology, genomics and genetics, and plant environmental interactions. Students can focus their studies on basic or applied topics and work across disciplines. Students typically complete the program in four semesters, including a research thesis and defense.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,887 / $34,570
#24 – University of Pennsylvania
Master of Science in Oral Biology
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Website
Gifted students can expand their career opportunities with the Master of Science in Oral Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. Enrollment is limited to students concurrently registered in one of the postgraduate specialty training programs at the university's dental medicine school. The degree is awarded after completing both specialty training and the graduate curriculum, including didactic, seminar, and research coursework. Students in the program's research track have opportunities to work on research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. Students selecting the program's evidence-based learning track work on a research or clinical question based on their mentor's area of expertise. Both the research and evidence-based learning tracks include coursework in statistics, research bioethics, and oral biology seminars.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $55,584
#23 – Buffalo State College, State University of New York
Master of Arts in Biology
Buffalo, New York
Website
Gain access to advanced education in biological sciences with the Master of Arts in Biology from Buffalo State College, State University of New York. The 30-credit-hour program delivers advanced training preparing students for careers in ecology, evolution, biotechnology, and health sciences. Successful applicants will need a 2.75 GPA, scores on the Graduate Record Examination, and three letters of recommendation. Students earn three credit hours in the required foundation coursework before selecting 15 to 26 credit hours of biology electives. The program concludes with either a research thesis in biology or a comprehensive examination. Students choosing the thesis option will need to contact a faculty sponsor to obtain a letter of support prior to admission.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,210 / $17,990
#22 – University of Rochester
Master of Science in Biology
Rochester, New York
Website
The Master of Science in Biology from the University of Rochester will enhance your scientific understanding, paving the way for a variety of careers. Students study for their degrees on a part-time or full-time basis and select from two program options. Plan A is research-based and includes between six and 12 credits of research activities leading to an independent thesis. Students will also be required to pass an oral examination based on their thesis. In Plan B, students focus heavily on coursework and can customize the program to match their interests. Students take at least six courses by the department of biology and will complete no more than six research credits. Plan B culminates with a written comprehensive exam. Teaching assistantships are available for qualified students. Course topics include molecular biology, evolution, advanced cell biology, genomics, animal behavior, and more.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $53,909
#21 – Binghamton University, State University of New York
Master of Science in Biological Sciences
Binghamton, New York
Website
Expand your scientific skills while expanding your career horizons with the Master of Science in Biological Sciences from Binghamton University. The program offers students frequent opportunities to work closely with faculty and the ability to design an interdisciplinary course of study. Students select from two tracks: biochemical, cell, and molecular biology, or ecology, evolution, and behavior. Research opportunities are problem-focused, helping students gain relevant, real-world experience. Students in the biochemical, cell, and molecular biology track can work in on-campus laboratories or take on contract-based research at biotechnology companies across the country. The ecology, evolution, and behavior track delivers a well-rounded curriculum with cross-departmental research opportunities. The track also offers an interdisciplinary Evolutionary Studies program with the option to earn a certificate in conjunction with the master's degree. A Master of Arts in Biology is also available.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,808 / $9,853 / $26,648
#20 – University of Illinois at Chicago
Master of Science in Biological Sciences
Chicago, Illinois
Website
The Master of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago will help you gain the skills to start a rewarding academic career in life sciences. The 32 semester hour program is designed mainly for students who wish to go on to Ph.D. studies. However, applications are reviewed on an individual basis and special circumstances can be arranged for exceptional students. Students can select from a thesis project or course-work-only options. Students will also sit for a comprehensive final exam, which includes an oral presentation of the student's final project or thesis. In both the research and coursework track, students will earn 24 credit hours in 400 and 500 level courses. To gain admission, applicants will need a minimum 3.0 GPA on the final 60 semester hours of their undergraduate transcripts. A Graduate Record Examination score and three letters of recommendation are also required.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,764 / $26,980
#19 – Rutgers University
Biology, Master of Science
Newark, New Jersey
Website
The Biology, Master of Science degree from Rutgers University offers high-end scientific training and diverse research opportunities. Students will gain foundational and advanced knowledge of concepts in biological sciences along with the skills to carry out in-depth research. The program features three tracks aimed at training students in cell and molecular biology, ecology, evolution, and neurobiology. The university also offers a Ph.D. program in the same tracks. Students also have the opportunity for interdisciplinary study in physical sciences and mathematics. The program is offered by the Federated Departments of Biological Sciences, a collaboration between the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers University.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,835 / $30,613
#18 – Wake Forest University
Master of Science in Biology
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Website
The Master of Science in Biology from Wake Forest University gives students hands-on training and access to a wide range of research opportunities. The program includes a comprehensive research thesis that connects students with graduate faculty mentors. Graduate students in the university's Biology Department receive full tuition remission and a stipend for two full years of study. Students select an area of concentration, including cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, and integrative biology. Graduate students have access to the university's Center for Molecular Signaling, the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, the Center for Bioethics, Health, and Society, and more. Field research has taken place in such places as the Amazon, the African Savannah, and the Galapagos Islands. To qualify, applicants will need a B average or better in the upper quarter of the class and a Graduate Record Examination score.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $53,322
#17 – University of Connecticut
Master of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology
Storrs, Connecticut
Website
Build valuable research and professional skills with the Master of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Connecticut. The university's Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology offers concentrations in structural biology, biochemistry, and biophysics; cell and developmental biology; genetics and genomics; and microbiology. Students also have options in applied genomics, microbial systems analysis, as well as applied biochemistry and cell biology. The department has extensive course offerings, with topics ranging from human genetics and microbiology fundamentals to biochemistry and honors-level immunology. In the program's first year, students will work with their major advisor to establish an advisory committee. The committee will guide students in selecting courses and developing a plan to study.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,730 / $38,098
#16 – Appalachian State University
Master of Science in Biology
Boone, North Carolina
Website
Develop mastery of the concepts of biology while building specialized skills with the Master of Science in Biology from Appalachian State University. The program features concentrations in cellular and molecular biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, and general biology, which incorporates aspects of both of the program's other concentrations. This variety of disciplines gives students research opportunities in genetics, conservation biology, microbiology, immunology, physiology, and science education. Students will work closely with a faculty mentor to conduct an original research project leading to a graduate thesis. Applicants will need a Graduate Record Examination score, three letters of recommendation, and a minimum 3.0 GPA on their last degree earned. Outstanding GRE scores may be substituted for a GPA of less than 3.0. Students who apply by the program's priority deadline will receive graduate assistantships designed to offset costs and to provide college-level teaching experience.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,364 / $22,171
#15 – New York University
Master of Science in Biology/Master of Business Administration
New York, New York
Website
The combined Master of Science in Biology/Master of Business Administration from New York University gives students a unique opportunity to earn a degree with a dual focus. The three-year degree program begins with students spending a year working on graduate-level coursework in the Biology department. Students then spend two years in the university's Stern School of Business completing their business degree while also earning the final credits of their biology degree. Students are required to earn admission to both the business school and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. There are no additional admissions requirements to qualify for the dual-degree program. Upon gaining admission to the program, all students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. Teaching fellowships and graduate assistantship programs are also available.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $51,828
#14 – Tufts University
Master's of Science in Biology
Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts
Website
Gain exposure to the principles of life sciences with the Master's of Science in Biology from Tufts University. The program offers both full and part-time admission allowing working professionals to earn their degrees while maintaining employment. Full-time students can complete the program in two years. Coursework is designed to give students critical thinking skills while building creativity to engage in scientific research. The program features an Open Choice Master's of Science and a part-time Open Choice Master's of Science with a Functional Genomics focus. Students are admitted in both the fall and spring semesters and are encouraged to complete a Graduate Record Examination test in biology, biochemistry, or chemistry prior to applying.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $56,382
#13 – Rutgers University–Newark
Master of Science in Biology
Newark, New Jersey
Website
The Master of Science in Biology from Rutgers University–Newark affords students the chance to work closely with faculty on advanced life science concepts. Students gain a foundation of concepts in biological sciences along with the practical skills needed to take advantage of diverse research opportunities. The program includes three concentrations in both cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolution, and neurobiology. Students add to the depth of their studies through interdisciplinary training in physical sciences and mathematics. An original thesis completed in collaboration with a faculty advisor and advisory committee is required to earn the degree. The university's Department of Biological Sciences also offers a Ph.D. option in biological sciences.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,409 / $30,717
#12 – Johns Hopkins University
Combined Master's of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology
Baltimore, Maryland
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Take advantage of your previous experience with the Combined Master's of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Johns Hopkins University. Open only to undergraduates who will earn their degrees in molecular or cellular biology from Johns Hopkins University, the program enables students to earn a graduate degree in just one year. With faculty guidance, students undertake coursework that includes a specialized seminar, experience as a teaching assistant, and an independent research project. The program concludes with the written thesis and oral presentation. The teaching assistantship portion of the degree includes opportunities to work in undergraduate General Biology and General Biology Laboratory sections. To apply for the degree, candidates will need a minimum overall GPA of 3.2 and at least two semesters of previous research experience prior to entering the program.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $53,740
#11 – Northeastern University
Master's of Science in Marine Biology
Boston, Massachusetts
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Pursue your passion for living creatures in our oceans and seas with the Master's of Science in Marine Biology from Northeastern University. The intensive 43 semester hour program is designed for students who wish to become marine biology researchers. The degree's hands-on research requirement is also practical for students seeking to meet field experience requirements for competitive Ph.D. programs. The program includes a six-month internship portion, where students engage in a research project in place of a traditional Master's thesis. While most graduate programs take at least two years to complete, the Marine Biology program from Northeastern University plan of study is designed to be completed in 16 months. Students will take courses in topics including the biology of corals, ocean and coastal processes, oceanography, marine conservation biology, and more. The program includes research opportunities in diverse environments including New England, the Pacific Northwest, and the Caribbean.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $51,522
#10 – University of Minnesota
Master of Biological Sciences
Saint Paul, Minnesota
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The Master of Biological Sciences from the University of Minnesota gives students the opportunity to study cutting-edge concepts in a diverse range of settings. The 30-credit degree program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis and allows students to customize their education to match career and academic goals. Students select either a research-focused plan of study or a coursework-based plan. Students in the research plan will complete a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor and defend the project with a three-member committee. The course-work only option includes an intensive capstone paper that will be presented and defended in front of program peers and staff. Regardless of the study plan students choose, the degree can be customized with interdisciplinary offerings from the university's College of Biological Sciences, the Academic Health Center, the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences, and the College of Continuing & Professional Studies. Students are admitted to the program in the fall and spring semesters.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,760 / $30,438
#9 – Georgia Institute of Technology
Master of Science in Biology
Atlanta, Georgia
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Grow your skills as a scientist with the Master of Science in Biology from the Georgia Institute of Technology. The 36 credit hour program lets students choose from thesis and non-thesis options. Students with graduate experience at other institutions can transfer up to six credit hours with departmental approval. The program features areas of concentration in ecology, evolution, and behavior, molecular and cell biology, and computational biology and bioinformatics with an optional Master's of Science and interdepartmental Ph.D. programs in bioinformatics. Non-thesis students will earn 15 credit hours through required graduate coursework and an additional six credit hours through the program's special problems research component and biology seminar. The thesis option includes 12 credit hours of graduate coursework and nine credit hours of research and biology seminar.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,424 / $33,020
#8 – California State University, Long Beach
Master of Science in BIology
Long Beach, California
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Take advantage of a unique coastal environment with the Master of Science in Biology from California State University, Long Beach. The Marine Biology program offers a 30 unit graduate program designed to deliver high-quality instruction in marine biology research. Students will be prepared to start science-related careers or pursue further education at the Ph.D. level. Students study topics in directed research, experimental design, field and laboratory research, and scientific communication. The program includes an original research thesis along with a public defense followed by a private defense with the student's advisory committee. The Department of Biological Sciences offers graduate teaching assistantships and fellowships on a competitive basis.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,798 / $18,678
#7 – University of Virginia
Master of Arts and Master of Science in Biology
Charlottesville, Virginia
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Explore educational options that match your career goals with the Master of Arts and Master of Science in Biology from the University of Virginia. Students interested in pursuing independent research are encouraged to join the Master of Arts program. The Master of Science program is focused on those students who are interested in laboratory research. Both programs include 30 credits of graduate coursework and require a successful thesis defense. To enhance research opportunities, students pursuing the Master of Science pathway must contact Biology faculty members prior to applying. Student educators and other scholars can take advantage of the university's Mountain Lake Biological Station with residential research options available. The program can be completed in roughly two and a half years, and students may take no more than five years to earn their degree.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,653 / $49,032
#6 – Georgetown University
Master's in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Washington, D.C.
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A rigorous and challenging course of study prepares students for demanding careers with the Master's in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Georgetown University. The program aims to prepare students for research careers or further academic study. The curriculum covers advanced topics in biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology, as well as laboratory research and literature-based research. Students complete an intensive internship program that leads to a research presentation at the university's tri-annual post-presentation sessions. Through the internship, students have opportunities to study alongside faculty mentors in the university's Medical Center laboratories or off campus working for government agencies like the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, or in the biotechnology industry.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $54,104
#5 – Texas A&M University
Master of Science in Biology
College Station, Texas
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The Master of Science from Texas A&M University helps students build skills as scientific researchers. After admission, students begin their studies by selecting a graduate advisory committee of at least three faculty members and establishing a degree plan proposal. Students taking the degree's thesis option will earn at least 32 semester credit hours, while the non-thesis option consists of 36 hours. Students are required to complete a nine credit hour residency during a regular semester or a ten-week summer semester. The degree culminates with a thesis defense or final comprehensive examination, depending on the student's plan. The degree must be completed within seven years.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,870 / $37,495
#4 – University of California, Berkeley
Master of Science in Integrative Biology
Berkeley, California
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Earn your master's degree while you're on the path toward a Ph.D. with the Master of Science in Integrative Biology from the University of California, Berkeley. The program offers two plans for completion. In Plan I, students earn a minimum of 20 term units, with at least eight units coming from courses in the student's major subject. Students also complete and defend a master's thesis in Plan I. Plan II requires 24 term units with at least 12 coming from the student's major subject. The curriculum includes advanced coursework in phylogenetics, research reviews, ecology, biomechanics, and more. To apply, students will need a background in biological science and an upper division GPA of 3.4 or higher. Submitting a Graduate Record Examination score is optional.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,184 / $43,176
#3 – Stanford University
Master of Science in BIology
Stanford, California
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Become involved in cutting edge, high-stakes research with the Master of Science in Biology from Stanford University. The program features both general or specialized study plans, and students can complete their M.S. without a thesis. While the program is open to students with backgrounds other than biological sciences, some undergraduate coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics is required. To apply, students will need to submit a statement of purpose outlining what the student hopes to accomplish in the program, along with two letters of recommendation. Students will complete 45 units of graduate coursework within either the Department of Biology or the Hopkins Marine Station. At least 18 units must include biology research, directed reading, or teaching.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $51,354
#2 – University of California, Irvine
Master of Science Degree in Biotechnology
Irvine, California
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The Master of Science Degree in Biotechnology from the University of California, Irvine, combines multiple scientific disciplines to address the needs of medicine, agriculture, and chemical engineering. Students participate in research from their first semester, engaging in technical laboratories in protein isolation and characterization, animal and microbial cell culture, and recombinant DNA methodology. Students also gain exposure to virology and immunology. The program includes one year of directed research in an established stem cell research laboratory. Research topics are broad, and current areas of interest include gene structure and regulation, virology, structural biology, immunology and pathogenesis, and stem cell research. To qualify for the program, applicants will need a bachelor of science degree or equivalent and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Graduate Record Examination scores are also required.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,700 / $42,692
#1 – University of California, Los Angeles
Master of Science in Oral Biology
Los Angeles, California
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With the Master of Science in Oral Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, you'll deepen your knowledge as a dental professional. The program is designed for candidates who hold a dental degree or who are enrolled in certificate programs at UCLA's School of Dentistry. The 36-unit degree program can be completed in two years and includes 29 credits of oral biology coursework along with additional electives that fit within the student's research area. The student's first year includes oral biology coursework and two lab rotations. Students who have identified a thesis topic may also begin research in their first year. Applicants should have undergraduate experience in biological and chemical sciences, along with a 3.0 GPA in upper division courses. Students can also earn a Ph.D. in oral biology from the university.