Biology, MS


At a Glance: program details



Deepen your knowledge about the life sciences and build strong conceptual foundations in frontier areas of modern biology.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS Biology

The MS in biology is a flexible degree program based around a student's individual interests, allowing them to explore areas of biology that thrive outside of traditional boundaries. This degree complements other, more specialized life sciences programs, allowing both interdisciplinary and traditional approaches. Courses include laboratory, field and theoretical work.

This program currently admits students to either a thesis-based pathway or a coursework and capstone option. Students in the thesis pathway receive hands-on training and craft an individualized plan of study focused specifically on their own research interests. They work closely with an advisor from ASU's faculty of top-tier scientists doing research at the forefront of their fields. Students develop foundational research skills in the course of designing and completing their own research project.

In the coursework and capstone pathway, students build an individualized curriculum from a wide variety of courses taught by global experts. In their final semester, they delve more deeply into their own area of interest by completing a capstone project. This option is ideal for students who do not need intensive research training but want to deepen and expand their biological knowledge and skills. The coursework and capstone pathway is also available in an online format.



Culminating experience options and information

Culminating experience options

The MS in biology offers several culminating experience options students may apply for and pursue within the degree. Options currently include completing a capstone or a thesis. Students completing a capstone will have a coursework focused degree, while students completing a thesis will have a research focus, since they conduct research throughout their program under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Though experiences differ depending on the culminating experience, both options award students an MS in biology upon degree completion. Please note that application processes differ between the two, described in more detail in the section below.

Moreover, the MS in biology is available in both campus immersion and online modalities. Prospective students have the option of applying for the thesis or capstone culminating experience in the campus immersion offering. However, students only have the option of applying for and completing a capstone culminating experience in the online modality at this time.

Research and thesis

The thesis culminating experience involves an MS in biology that is focused on research. If offered admission, students are offered the opportunity to work with a specific faculty advisor or two co-advisors. Throughout their time in the degree, students conduct research with their faculty advisor's and faculty committee's guidance, culminating in a written thesis that students must orally defend in their final semester. Below are some additional details about this program.

Time to degree completion: typically 2 years

Number of faculty committee members required: 3 members required

Modality options: campus immersion only

Degree requirements: 30 credit hours and a thesis

Required Core (3 credit hours)

  • BIO 541 SOLS Seminar Series (1)
  • BIO 542 SOLS Current Topics in the Life Sciences (1)
  • BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in Life Sciences (1) or BIO 611 Current Topics in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in the Life Sciences (1)

Electives (21 credit hours)

  • At least 6 electives credits must be BIO 592 Research
  • The remaining 15 credits may be any combination of additional BIO 592 Research or graduate life science elective courses chosen in consultation with the student's faculty advisor

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)

  • BIO 599 Thesis (6)

Coursework and capstone

The capstone culminating experience involves an MS in biology that is focused on coursework. Admitted students complete life science courses, culminating in a capstone project completed in their final semester. This is typically a final paper where students bring together knowledge learned in prior courses in a way that is meaningful and relevant to their professional goals. In the paper, students summarize current knowledge of an important topic in the biological sciences, and demonstrate their ability to integrate core concepts of biological thinking. Below are some additional details about this program.

Time to degree completion: 1-2 years

Number of faculty committee members required: 1 member required (typically the program director)

Modality options: campus immersion and online

Degree requirements: 30 credit hours and a capstone

Required Core (3 credit hours)

  • BIO 541 SOLS Seminar Series (1)
  • BIO 542 SOLS Current Topics in the Life Sciences (1)
  • BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in Life Sciences (1) or BIO 611 Current Topics in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in the Life Sciences (1)

Electives (24 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)

  • BIO 597 Capstone (3) - taken in the final semester

Application and admission information

How to apply

Research and thesis

Applications open September 1 for admission in Fall of the following year. The application deadline is December 1. We accept applications for Fall semesters only. We cannot guarantee that applications received after the December 1 deadline will be considered for admission.

All applicants must apply by filling out ASU's Graduate Admissions application. All application materials must be submitted through the application or to Graduate Admissions directly. Please do not mail or email any documents to the School of Life Sciences. 

Required materials and information include the following:

  • 1-2 page personal statement
  • An up to date CV or resume
  • The names of relevant SOLS faculty you have been in touch with who you might be interested in being supervised by
  • Unofficial transcripts and English proficiency test scores (if applicable)
  • The names and emails of at least 3 recommenders to write you letters of recommendation. It is strongly encouraged you select college professors and/or research supervisors to provide evaluations of your academic and research experience.

Coursework and capstone

Admission to the coursework and capstone option both on campus and online is more flexible. Applicants may apply to start in fall, spring, or summer semesters. The deadline to apply is 1 month before the start of classes for the semester you are applying to start. If we receive your application late, we will consider you for admission for the following semester.

All applicants must apply by filling out ASU's Graduate Admissions application. All application materials must be submitted through the application or to Graduate Admissions directly. Please do not mail or email any documents to the School of Life Sciences. 

Required materials and information include the following:

  • 1-2 page personal statement
  • An up to date CV or resume
  • Unofficial transcripts and English proficiency test scores (if applicable)
  • The names and emails of at least 3 recommenders to write you letters of recommendation. It is strongly encouraged you include at least one letter from a college professor, and you are strongly discouraged from including letters from family and friends.

Application review process and timeline

Research and thesis

Following the December 1 deadline, faculty will begin reviewing applications. Applicants should monitor their My ASU priority tasks to ensure there are no missing materials in their application. Admission decisions will begin in March, and applicants typically receive final decisions by April 1.

Coursework and capstone

Students applying to complete the capstone option will have their applications reviewed as soon as we have all required materials on file. This typically means we are waiting to review until the three letters of recommendation are submitted. It is important you communicate with your recommenders to ensure timely submissions in order for us to move your application through to be reviewed. Applicants typically receive a decision within 2-4 weeks of all application materials being received.

Requirements

Minimum requirements for admission include the following:

  • Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • International applicants must satisfy university minimum requirements for English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE). There are other ways to demonstrate English proficiency beyond the tests, so please refer to ASU's English proficiency webpage to review how you might satisfy requirements.

Desired qualifications typically seen in competitive candidates (particularly applicable if applying to complete a thesis):

Please note that the GRE is not required.

Applying to an accelerated program

There is a unique process for eligible ASU undergraduate students to apply to an accelerated BS/MS program in the School of Life Sciences, involving a two-phase application process students initiate when they have about 75 credit hours of their bachelor's completed. Please see details about accelerated BS/MS programs and our application process by reviewing the Accelerated Bachelor's and Master's of Science webpage.

Program cost and funding

In the School of Life Sciences, there is no funding guarantee for students admitted to a master's degree. If admitted, master's students are able to request teaching assistant positions each semester. However, positions may only be assigned on a first come, first serve basis pending position availability. Research assistant positions are uncommon for master's students but ultimately depend on the student's faculty research supervisor (if completing a thesis). Teaching and research assistant positions for master's students come with a salary for the semester assigned, but do not include tuition or health insurance assistance. 

Given the lack of position guarantee, master's students should ensure they understand the tuition costs they will be responsible for. Campus immersion tuition varies depending on a student's residency status, while online tuition has its own charge breakdown. To review anticipated tuition costs, please utilize ASU's tuition estimator. Online students must be sure select the M.S. Biology from the dropdown in the section called "Academic programs with undergraduate college fee, differential or program tuition" for an accurate estimate.


Degree Requirements

30 credit hours including a written comprehensive exam

Required Core (1 credit hour)
BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in Life Sciences (1) or BIO 611 Current Topics in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in the Life Sciences (1)

Other Requirements (2 credit hours)
BIO 541 SOLS Seminar Series (1)
BIO 542 SOLS Current Topics in the Life Sciences (1)

Electives (21 or 24 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours)
BIO 593 Applied Project (3)
BIO 597 Capstone (3)
BIO 599 Thesis (6)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students choose one of three culminating experience options listed above. The credit hours required for the electives depends on the culminating experience chosen as all students must complete 30 credit hours for this degree program.


Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in biology or a related discipline from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants must submit the following:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. academic record form
  4. personal statement
  5. curriculum vitae or resume
  6. three letters of recommendation
  7. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

It is desired that applicants have research experience.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

BS - Microbiology

Are you fascinated by the incredible way the tiniest organisms can impact our lives? Are you eager to make a difference in science, health and medicine? Dive in and explore the wonders of microbiology, and set yourself up for success in your future career.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Biological Sciences

Are you captivated by the variety and wonder of life? Are you curious about how organisms grow, interact and affect each other? Build a strong foundation of knowledge, critical thinking skills and key lab techniques that will launch your career in science, health care and research.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology)

Are you fascinated by how genes can affect change in organisms at the cellular level? Are you curious about how genetic information is organized and transmitted across generations? Experience the excitement of scientific discovery and gain the critical thinking skills and key lab techniques that will launch your career.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology)

Are you concerned about environmental challenges such as climate change and habitat destruction? Are you curious about how organisms interact with one another and their physical surroundings? Dive in and apply a biological approach combined with human perspective to develop a deep understanding of the complex problems threatening our world.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences (Biology and Society)

How does science shape the way we understand our world? Explore the social context of science while developing the skills needed to navigate the ethical complexities of scientific discovery. Discover how policy decisions are shaped by biological research, and investigate the significance of the sciences in understanding our complex world.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology

Are you fascinated by the interplay between biology and technology? Are you eager to make a difference through groundbreaking research? Dive in and explore the rapidly expanding field of biotechnology.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior)

Are you fascinated by animal behavior? Are you interested in making scientific discoveries at the laboratory bench and in the field? Dive in and build the strong foundation you need to launch your career in neuroscience, health care, veterinary medicine or biomedical research.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Microbiology (Medical Microbiology)

Are you passionate about understanding the way the tiniest organisms impact our lives? Are you eager to make a difference in science, health care or biomedical research? Build a strong foundation of coursework, competencies and critical thinking skills that will prepare you to take on the changing world of medicine.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences)

Are you passionate about health care and biomedical research? Are you eager to experience groundbreaking research and understand the process of scientific discovery? Build a strong pre-health foundation of knowledge, critical thinking skills and key lab techniques that will give you a valuable edge in your career.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



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Learning Outcomes

  • Able to execute a research plan of their own design that addresses a significant scientific question about their chosen area of biology.
  • Qble to review the literature relevant to a research topic in their chosen area of biology.
  • Able to communicate the rationale and results of their research, both orally and in writing.

Career Opportunities

This master's degree program prepares students for life sciences careers in educational, medical, industrial and governmental institutions.

The thesis pathway is ideal for those pursuing research-intensive careers in academic or business settings. The coursework and capstone option is for those seeking careers in which deeper biological knowledge is valuable, such as secondary school teachers reaching for higher certifications, biotechnicians who want to add conceptual depth or analytical abilities to their laboratory skills, and writers who want to expand their scientific expertise.

Career examples include:

  • food, agriculture and health care scientists in academic, private and industrial labs
  • instructors at community colleges
  • researchers and technicians in government labs and nonprofit organizations
  • science teachers in elementary and high schools
  • science writers
  • wildlife, animal and conservation scientists

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.