The MS in Biology will develop and expand your ability to think creatively and critically about a range of biological subject areas and prepare you for a future career in the biological sciences. Our classroom-based MS program offers advanced courses and seminars taught by leading experts and hands-on courses that utilize state-of-the-art laboratory skills.

Program Outcomes

The MS in Biology will enable you to update or upgrade your credentials to begin or advance your career in academia, the private sector, government, non-profits, or any other area that employs individuals with training in biology. The flexible curriculum allows you to choose the specific courses that interest you and will enable your future career development, in individual consultation with your faculty advisor. Through your coursework, you will engage in advanced studies of biology topics, learn to critically analyze primary data and published papers, and get experience giving professional-level scientific presentations.

You will also benefit from our robust career and professional development offerings. Through seminars, workshops, 1:1 mentorship, and other activities, you will learn about various job options for biologists, optimize your resume, cover letter, and interviewing skills, and connect with professionals who can help inform your career decisions and enable you to obtain opportunities.

Students interested in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries will benefit from the efforts of our Professor of the Practice of Biotechnology. Besides teaching courses in drug development, the Professor of the Practice coordinates numerous career development activities to help MS students who are specifically interested in working in this industry. Interested students will also receive hands-on assistance with applying for summer internships and full-time positions, especially with one of the dozens of life sciences companies in the Boston area.

Application Requirements

Application fee
Resume/CV
Personal statement
Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores, if applicable
Transcripts
Three letters of recommendation

Tuition and Financial Aid

See Tuition and Financial Aid information for GSAS Programs. Note: This program is eligible for federal loans and Tufts tuition scholarships.

Concentrations

The graduate program in biology is arranged into six concentrations, each with an advisor and a core of faculty researchers:

Part-time Option for Working Professionals

The MS in Biology offers many evening and/or online courses that are accessible to students who wish to work full-time while completing their degree. It is an excellent fit for working professionals in Boston's robust biotechnology industry who want to expand their knowledge of basic biological science to advance their careers. Part-time students have full access to all the program’s career and professional development offerings.

Advisory Board

The MS in Biology Advisory Board made up of industry professionals who provide us with critical input into the practical skills that are sought after in biotech, medical, and pharmaceutical careers.

Advisory Board