The MS in Biology will develop and expand your ability to think creatively and critically about a range of biological subject matters through graduate courses, seminars, and research experience. All courses are taught by leading researchers in topics ranging from macromolecules to gene expression. Students learn state-of-the-art laboratory skills that drive translational research, bridging theory to application.

Program Outcomes

In addition to updating or upgrading your professional and academic credentials, in the MS in Biology, you'll also have the opportunity to concentrate your studies in a specific area that aligns with your professional and scholarly goals. The flexible curriculum structure allows you to chose courses that interest you and you'll work with a faculty advisor to make your selections. You'll engage in advanced study on a topic, learn to perform critical analysis of data from primary literature, and get the experience of presenting your findings in an organized professional talk. The program is complemented by professional development opportunities for graduate students which will help you further accelerate your career development.

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.

Faculty

George Ellmore

Associate Professor and Department Vice Chair

Ecology, Behavior and Evolution and Global Change Biology

Catherine Freudenreich

Professor and Department Chair

Genetics and Molecular Biology. Genome instability, particularly at sites of repetitive and structure-forming DNA.

Erik Dopman

Associate Professor

Evolution and Genetics of Natural Populations

Julia Gouvea

Associate Professor

Alfredo Hernandez

Assistant Professor

Enzymology of DNA replication, mitochondrial DNA, nucleic acid biochemistry, and non-canonical DNA structures.

Michael Levin

Vannevar Bush Professor

Morphological and behavioral information processing in living systems

Kelly McLaughlin

Associate Professor

Molecular Development (Organogenesis: Development, Remodeling, Regeneration)

Mitch McVey

Professor

DNA repair, DNA damage tolerance, molecular biology, Drosophila genetics, aging, mutagenesis

Sergei Mirkin

Professor and White Family Chair in Biology

Genetics and Molecular Biology

Colin Orians

Professor and Director of Environmental Studies

Agroecology, climate change, climate mitigation, plant-herbivore interactions

Academic Leave

Michael Reed

Professor

Avian ecology and conservation biology

Michael Romero

Professor

Stress Physiology and Field Endocrinology

Philip Starks

Associate Professor

Animal Behavior: Recognition systems, evolution of sociality, parasite and host relationships, behavioral & chemical communication, invasion genetics

Barry Trimmer

Henry Bromfield Pearson Professor of Natural Science

Control of locomotion and the neural processes that organize sensory and motor information

Eric Tytell

Associate Professor

Biomechanics and Neural Control of Locomotion

Benjamin Wolfe

Associate Professor

Ecology and evolution of microbial communities

Concentrations

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

Tracks and Sample Schedules

The master's program is offered in two tracks, both of which can be completed in two years or less. The program is available both full-time and in a part-time format designed for working professionals with courses during the evening.

MS in Biology - The MS is designed for students wishing to upgrade their expertise in the biology professions, explore or expand their interest in research, and/or broaden their base for making future career choices in the biological sciences.

MS in Biology with Functional Genomics Focus - This part-time track of the MS program offers a focus in Functional Genomics and is designed for students who wish to work full-time while completing their degree. It is an excellent fit for professionals in Boston's robust biotechnology industry. The Functional Genomics track equips graduates with the skills needed to contribute effectively to enterprising research on genomic, biomedical, or commercial projects. Using a trimester format, the part-time MS in Biology with a focus in Functional Genomics allows working professionals to attend courses during the evening, allowing completion of the program in less than 2 years.

Sample Part-Time Schedule*

Term	Courses	Offered
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.

Advisory Board

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

Advisory Board

Related Programs

Biology

Application deadlines