Biology
Contemporary biology is built on understanding life at the molecular, cellular, organismal, population and community levels. Tufts Department of Biology is dedicated to providing a unified and comprehensive view of biological processes for our students.
Master's programs are available both full-time and in a part-time format designed for working professionals. The part-time program allows working professionals to work full-time while attending courses during the evening and can be completed in two years or less.
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Degree Offerings
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Full-Time and Part-Time M.S. Tracks
- Faculty
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Application Requirements
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Contact the Department
Questions about your application?
Contact us:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Bendetson Hall
Medford, MA 02155
(617) 627-3395
gradadmissions@tufts.edu
All courses are taught by leading researchers in topics ranging from macromolecules and gene expression. Students learn state-of-the-art laboratory skills that drive translational research, bridging theory to application.
Applications for the master's degree programs are accepted for fall or spring semester, and students are eligible for tuition scholarships from the university.- Open Choice M.S.
- Open Choice M.S. with a Focus on Functional Genomics
- Develop thorough competency in a specific area of study to drive their selection of career concentration
- Engage in advanced study on a topic; present an organized professional talk on a current scientific topic supported by critical analysis of data from primary literature
- Update and/or upgrade professional credentials in support of career development and promotion
- Accelerate career development by attending professional development workshops, such as those presented by GSAS
- Show awareness of their professional behavior and responsibilities (integrity, ethical behavior, timely e-communication, and ability to work with diverse groups of people) and the importance of engaging professionally with all constituent groups, including students, faculty, and the public.
- Ecology, Behavior and Evolution
- Global Change Biology
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Physiology, Neurobiology and Biomechanics
Open Choice M.S. Track
The Open Choice M.S. in Biology requires 30 semester hour units (SHUs) typically earned from ten courses of 3 SHUs each, and can be completed either full-time or part-time. One of the ten courses must be a seminar.
Pathways to Tufts: Part-Time Open Choice M.S. with a Focus in Functional Genomics
Using a trimester format for graduate coursework, the part-time Open Choice M.S. in Biology with a focus in Functional Genomics allows working professionals to work full-time while attending courses during the evening, allowing completion of the program in less than 2 years. Credit requirements are the same as the full-time track Open Choice M.S. program.
Sample Part-Time Schedule*
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Term
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Courses
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Offered
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| Fall Semester | Programming & 'R' for Biologists Advanced Genomics OR Regenerative Biology |
Monday, 6-9PM Evening |
| Spring Semester | BME 262: Molecular Biotechnology BIO 196: Advanced Genetics & Genome Editing |
Monday, 6-9PM Tuesday and Thursday, 6-9PM |
| Summer Session 1 | BIO 168: Biotech Process Project Lab | Monday and Wednesday, 6-9:30PM |
| Summer Session 2 | BIO 152: Biochemistry & Cellular Metabolism | Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30-9:30PM |
| Fall Semester | BIO 132: Biostatistics Elective (E.g. Immunology or Regenerative Medicine) |
Thursday, 6:30-9:30PM Evening |
| Spring Semester | BME 154: Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine PSY 111: Psychiatric Meds in Children |
Tuesday, 6-9PM Monday, 6:30-9PM |
*This is a sample schedule. Course offerings and schedule are subject to change.
Faculty
Application Deadline
Fall: December 1 (Ph.d.) and February 15 (Open Choice M.S.)*
Spring: October 15 (Open Choice M.S.)
*Recognizing the serious challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to our applicants and those considering graduate education opportunities, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences will accept applications to the Open Choice M.S in Biology up to August 1, 2020 for fall enrollment for domestic students. Our Admissions team is working closely with our programs to evaluate completed applications in a timely manner.
Fall Pathways M.S. Part-time Track: August 1
Spring Pathways M.S. Part-time Track: December 1
Doctorate:
> Application fee
> Resume/CV
> Personal statement
> In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the availability of standardized testing, GRE scores are currently waived for students applying to this program
> Official TOEFL or IELTS, if applicable
> Transcripts
> Three letters of recommendation
Master's:
> Application fee
> Resume/CV
> Personal statement
> In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the availability of standardized testing, GRE scores are currently waived for students applying to this program.
> Official TOEFL or IELTS, if applicable
> Transcripts
> Three letters of recommendation
For questions about this program, including scholarships and assistantships, please contact the graduate program director, Associate Professor Eric Tytell.
Students interested in part-time study should contact pathwaysgsas@tufts.edu.
Department of Biology
163 Packard Ave.
Medford, MA 02155
Office: 617.627.3195
Fax: 617.627.3805