Through advanced coursework, interdisciplinary research and experiential learning, this program trains tomorrow’s leading-edge scientists in genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell and developmental biology, neurobiology, environmental sciences, biotechnology, genomics, proteomics, protein interaction networks, and bioinformatics.
Students in the Master of Biological Sciences program have the opportunity to immerse themselves in thesis-driven individualized research in their area of interest.
Program Highlights
- Opportunities to conduct and present your research, gaining valuable skills as a future scientist.
- Graduates are well-equipped to pursue careers in PhD, MD, or pharmacy programs.
- Internship opportunities with the , , and the
Application Deadlines | Tuition Rate Per Unit | Number of Units | Format and Length |
Fall: July 1* Spring: December 1 *Priority deadline is April 1. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, and research spots are limited. | $1,130 View Tuition and Financial Aid Information for details. | 36 Units | Hybrid 24-36 Months |
Admission and Financial Aid
A Bachelor’s degree in Biology or its equivalent from a regionally accredited institution of higher education is required to apply to our graduate programs.
- Completed Application&²Ô²ú²õ±è;—&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
- Official Transcript(s)
Official transcript of coursework from each college or university attended (undergraduate and graduate). Find complete instructions on how to submit your transcripts to »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ here. - GPA of 3.0
A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 is required for the last 60 units of graded undergraduate or graduate course work.
Students who received their undergraduate degrees from an institution outside the United States must have credentials evaluated by a third-party evaluation service. The agency must submit an official report to »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ verifying credentials. Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for further instructions. - Resume
- Statement of Purpose or Intent
A statement between 300 and 800 words describing why you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree. - Two Letters of Recommendation
Academic or professional, on letterhead. - Prerequisite Requirements
- Biology. Two semesters.
- Calculus. Two semesters, comparable to »¨¶ùÖ±²¥â€™s MATH 1600 and 1700
- Physics. Two semesters, comparable to »¨¶ùÖ±²¥â€™s PHYS 2000 and 2100
- Organic Chemistry. Two semesters, comparable to »¨¶ùÖ±²¥â€™s CHEM 3800 and 3900
- Biochemistry. One semester, comparable to »¨¶ùÖ±²¥â€™s CHEM 4100
- Statistics. One semester, comparable to »¨¶ùÖ±²¥â€™s MATH 2400
- Personal Interview
Applicants who have been selected to continue on in the application process will be invited to interview at BioMarin or the Buck Institute. -
Optional — GRE Record
An official copy of general Graduate Record Examination scores may be submitted (GRE code 4284). -
International Applicants
International candidates must meet additional admissions requirements.
Competency in the above subjects may be demonstrated by either completion of a college course with a grade of "B" (3.0), successfully testing out of a course through challenge exams, or completion of »¨¶ùÖ±²¥â€™s core competency courses. The Department Chair will make the determination regarding a candidate’s core competency requirements. Students who need the core competencies may be concurrently enrolled at »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ in the MS program and in a core competency course. The following courses are considered co-requisites: MATH 1700, PHYS 2100, CHEM 3900, and MATH 2400. These must be taken in the first two semesters of the program.
If an application deadline falls on a weekend and/or holiday, applications will be accepted through the end of the next business day.
Spring Deadline | December 1 |
Fall Deadline | July 1* |
*Priority deadline is April 1. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, and research spots are limited.
Learn about tuition per unit, additional fees and total tuition.
We'll also show you how a »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ education is more affordable than you might think with support from financial aid, scholarships and loans.
Program Format and Career Paths
The 36-unit program takes two years to complete and research is focused on a thesis project. Students attend one on-campus evening lecture per week while working in a lab during day hours for full-time hands-on research.
Graduates of »¨¶ùÖ±²¥â€™s Master of Biological Sciences program are prepared for a wide range of exciting careers in the life sciences, including academic or industry research positions, biochemistry, genetics and medical and health services. Graduates may also decide to pursue further education, including PhD, MD or pharmacy programs.
Degrees Offered
MS
Course Catalog
Program Contact
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions