Master of Arts in Biological Sciences

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Biological Sciences provides a solid foundation in biological theory to supplement careers in business, law, education or public health. Some students choose an M.A. in Biology when contemplating a career change. The M.A. in Biology can also be a springboard to medical school or an advanced graduate program. Fulfillment of the course requirements for an M.A. in Biology can be accomplished in two years, but this plan of study is also appropriate for those who need a flexible course load to balance family or work.

Learning objectives

The Master of Arts in Biological Sciences program is designed for students seeking advanced knowledge in biology with a focus on developing critical thinking and scientific communication skills. This flexible, coursework-based program allows students to explore diverse areas of biology while preparing for careers in education, research support or science communication. Graduates are equipped to address complex biological challenges and contribute to interdisciplinary fields.

Graduates of the M.A. in Biological Sciences program will be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of biological principles and their applications in real-world contexts.
• Critically analyze scientific literature and synthesize information to solve complex biological problems.
• Communicate biological concepts effectively to diverse audiences, including academic, professional and public sectors.
• Apply interdisciplinary approaches to address biological and societal challenges.

Biological sciences program requirements and curriculum

The biological sciences master's degree requires students to satisfy the graduate program requirements and overall biological sciences requirements.

• Termination policy

  Causes for termination

  • Failure to meet expectations for timely progress toward degree completion
  • Poor academic performance

  Graduate student progress

  Graduate students will be evaluated annually by the graduate officer in consultation with the Graduate Committee. Students who fail to make adequate progress in coursework may be terminated.

  Academic performance

  A student whose GPA falls below 3.0 may be put on academic probation for one semester. A plan of work that will allow the student to improve the GPA to 3.0 or higher by a set time will be agreed upon by the student and the graduate officer. Failure to improve the GPA to 3.0 or higher by the deadline will result in termination after that semester. A student cannot remain on academic probation for consecutive semesters. A student cannot be on academic probation for more than two semesters during his/her graduate studies and will be terminated if the GPA is less than 3.0 for a third semester.

  A graduate student in the M.A. biological sciences program is permitted to petition to repeat at most two graduate classes in which he/she received a grade of B– or lower. A student who receives three grades of C+ or lower will be terminated from the graduate program.

  Anticipated progress for M.A. students

  First and subsequent years

  • Maintain GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • File plan of work after completing 12 credits

  Final semester

  • File for graduation

  Procedure for termination

  Annual reviews by the graduate officer are designed to assess the progress of students. If the review raises concerns about whether the student should continue in the program, the student will be notified and will have an opportunity to present their case to the Graduate Committee.

  The Graduate Committee may place the student on probation with well-defined objectives that the student will be required to meet within a specific time. If the student fulfills the objectives, they will be reinstated in good standing in the program.

  If a decision to terminate the student is made, the student will be able to make an oral presentation of their case to the graduate committee. Copies of all decisions regarding probation, reinstatement and dismissal will be placed in the student file and forwarded to the university Graduate Office.

  Appeal of dismissal

  The student can contest dismissal for insufficient progress by appealing to the Graduate Committee, the dean of the graduate school and finally to the provost. Dismissals for academic reasons should be appealed as outlined in the student due process policy.

Courses

The Master of Arts in Biological Sciences offers a diverse curriculum designed to deepen your understanding of advanced biological concepts and methodologies. Courses cover a wide range of topics, from molecular biology and ecology to scientific communication and research ethics, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. Through a combination of lecture-based learning and hands-on experiences, students gain the skills needed to excel in academia, industry or education.

Explore biological sciences courses