MS in Biology

The Department of Biology offers three tracks that lead to the MS: a coursework track, a scholarly paper track, and a research thesis track. The coursework track can be completed in one year and the scholarly paper track can be completed in a year and summer. The research thesis track typically requires two years to complete. In all three tracks, students are assigned faculty advisors in their subfield of interest during the first semester in the program.

Upon completion of the master’s program, students should be prepared for further graduate training or for eventual employment in teaching and/or research positions in academia, industry, government, or nonprofit agencies. The program accepts post-bachelor’s applicants with degrees in related disciplines where the focus has been on biology or a relevant field. Students with prior graduate work may be able to transfer course credits.

Maximize your potential for success with a master’s degree from the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences at BU.

Welcome! Arts & Sciences is Boston University’s largest academic division, the heart of a world-class research university. Our faculty in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences is among the world’s most respected professors, researchers, and professionals in their disciplines. Our alumni are leading innovation and research and making an impact in their fields . Our campus is Boston, a city vibrant with history, culture, and diversity, and teeming with potential for connections and careers.

Qualifications for Admission

Those who have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or with equivalent international education may apply.

• Your undergraduate program should include introductory studies in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences; completion of specified courses without credit may be required to make up any deficiency.
• You may apply to a master’s degree program if you have a bachelor’s degree (if you hold a three-year degree, you may be required to complete a one-year master’s degree program or post-graduate diploma in a relevant subject).
• You may not enroll simultaneously in more than one graduate program unless the programs are part of a BU-approved combined degree.
• If you have twice been rejected for admission to the same degree program, you must submit a letter of approval for application from the current director of graduate studies in the department to which you seek admission.