Master of Arts in Biology

The Department of Biological Sciences houses accomplished laboratories with advanced technologies, carrying out cutting-edge biomedical, translational, basic science, and ecological research. Our modern facilities include a computation center and aquatic field research sites, as well as collaborations with local hospitals and use of campus natural habitats. Many of our laboratories receive external funding from private foundations and national agencies including the National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and NASA. Our graduate programs promote biological discoveries within an engaging and stimulating environment. Faculty are committed to providing exceptional teaching and research experiences. Together we will help you grow a lifelong passion for the biological sciences and reach your career goals.The Master of Arts in biology is a non-thesis master’s program that has a larger and broader course component, but a lesser research component, than the Master of Science in biology. The Master of Arts in biology is designed for pre-professional students or those who wish to teach at the secondary or community college level.

Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution and an undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 or better (on a 4.00 scale). Exceptions to the GPA requirement may be made if evidence of the capacity for graduate study is provided. Students should have completed at least 20 credits in biology, 8 credits in mathematics, 8 credits in physics, and 15 credits in chemistry. Students with deficiencies in these areas may be conditionally admitted with the stipulation that the deficiencies will be corrected. Applicants must send, together with their application, a biographical sketch stating career goals and provide transcripts of all college-level work, two letters of reference, and scores on the Graduate Record Examination (both the general and the biology subject test scores) to the Office of Graduate Study.