Biology - General Graduate Programs

Earning a graduate degree in biology, the study of life, can open up new career options in the field of science. Biology is an ever-growing field with applications in many different professions such as environmental conservation, field and laboratory research, secondary and post-secondary teaching positions and medical research. Continuing education at the graduate level allows biologists to further their knowledge, hone their skills and advance their career. A graduate degree in biology can also be earned as preparation for a medical degree.

Search our directory of campus biology graduate degree programs.

Search our directory of online biology graduate degree programs.

Biology Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Often, students seeking a graduate degree in biology, either a master’s or Ph.D., are asked to choose an area of concentration. Typical areas of concentration include:

Ecology
Botany
Cell and molecular biology
Microbiology
Zoology, marine biology is sometimes also offered as an area of concentration
Biotechnology

Besides a strong background in the sciences, graduate students in biology should be:

Effective communicators
Team players
Patient
Methodical, meticulous, and conscientious
Self motivated
Analytical
Curious

The exact coursework depends upon specific program requirements as well as area of concentration, but typically a grad program in biology will focus its coursework in any of the following areas:

Ecology
Genetics
Cell and molecular biology
Conservation biology
Biotechnology
Evolution
Wildlife and fish conservation
Plant physiology
Environment, Wildlife, and Conservation Policy
Developmental Biology
Mammalogy
Ornithology
Freshwater biology and limnology
Immunology
Virology
Parasitology
Cancer biology
Statistics
Plant anatomy
Topics in microbiology
Research methods

Most programs culminate in the completion of a thesis, and include intensive lab work and research projects to compliment coursework. Some programs also include written exams.

Graduate programs in biology generally require that applicants have completed an undergraduate degree in biology, environmental science, conservation or a related degree, or have extensive prerequisite coursework in the sciences including biology, chemistry, and physics as well as higher-level mathematics. Experience in the field is also beneficial. Students pursuing a master’s in biology may have to write a thesis while Ph.D. biology students typically have to create and defend a thesis.

Biology Career Paths

Biologists can find work with federal, state, and local government agencies, in research and testing labs, in pharmaceutical testing and development, and in educational institutions. Within these industries, biologists can work in a number of capacities, including:

Field and laboratory research
Product development
Medical research
Secondary and post-secondary teaching
Conservation and policy

In addition, some graduates go on to pursue health profession programs such as medical, dental or veterinary school.

Biology-projected-job-growth

Data according to

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Ed.

Biology Future Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for biologists is anticipated to grow by 21 percent by 2018 with job growth driven by advancements in the field of biotechnology and the growing need for environmental protection, conservation, and policy. Competition for field positions and research grants can be highly competitive.

Biology-average-annual-salary

Data according to

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Ed.

Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Duluth,MN
College of St. Scholastica
Exercise Physiology
The Master of Arts in Exercise Physiology program is designed to prepare students to access key positions in the health, fitn...
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Type: Campus
Level: Certificate
West Haven,CT
University of New Haven
Bioinformatics Certificate
A five-course certificate that provides a practical, hands-on approach to computer applications in molecular biology.
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Type: Campus
Level: Doctorate
Masters
South Orange,NJ
Seton Hall University
Biology
The Department of Biology offers three graduate programs: a Ph.D. in Molecular Bioscience, a Master of Science (M.S.) in Biol...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Villanova,PA
Villanova University
Biology
Study & research at all levels of biological complexity. Experience laboratory, field study, seminar, etc. See full descripti...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Flint,MI
University of Michigan - Flint
Biology (MS)
The MS in Biology is an advanced degree for students who have undergraduate degrees in biology or a related life science.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Shippensburg,PA
Shippensburg University
Biology
Emphasis in ecology and environmental biology
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Indiana,PA
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania
Biology
Earn your M.S. degree in Biology and get a strong academic foundation for doctoral study or a career in government, industry,...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Garden City,NY
Adelphi University
Biology
The Master of Science (M.S.
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Type: Campus
Level: Doctorate
Masters
Huntsville,AL
University of Alabama - Huntsville
Biological Sciences
The Biological Sciences Department at UAH has offered the Masters of Science degree for more than 20 years.
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Type: Campus
Level: Doctorate
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Atlanta,GA
Emory University
Cancer Biology
The Program in Cancer Biology (CB) provides outstanding training opportunities in every aspect of cancer research.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Keene,NH
Antioch University New England
MS in Environmental Studies: CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
Conservation Biology gives students the research and field skills to understand the linkages between ecology and conservation...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Plymouth,NH
Plymouth State University
Master of Science in Biology
PSU offers an individually designed, research-based program in which you'll address current and future biological problems.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Boston,MA
Boston University
Forensic Science
Boston University's graduate forensic program is FEPAC accredited and designed to train individuals in the field of forensic ...
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Type: Campus
Level: Doctorate
Masters
Washington,DC
Catholic University Of America, The
Biology
The Department of Biology offers the degrees of Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in biology, with em...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Baltimore,MD
Morgan State University
Science
Master of Science degree program in Science offers interdisciplinary training in the major area of biology, chemistry, & phys...
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