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  1. Home

Biology, MS

On this page:
Degree Requirements Admission Requirements Next Steps Learning Outcomes Career Opportunities Request Information
  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Biology

Deepen your knowledge of the life sciences and build strong conceptual foundations in frontier areas of modern biology.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS Biology

The Master of Science program in biology is a flexible degree program based around your individual interests, enabling you to explore areas of biology that exist outside of traditional boundaries. This degree complements other, more specialized life sciences programs, allowing both interdisciplinary and traditional approaches.

This program currently admits you to a thesis-based pathway, an applied project pathway, or a coursework and capstone option. In the thesis pathway, you receive hands-on training and craft an individualized plan of study focused specifically on your own research interests. You work closely with an advisor from ASU's faculty of top-tier scientists and conduct research at the forefront of your field. You develop foundational research skills in the course of designing and completing your own research project.

In the coursework and capstone pathway, you build an individualized curriculum from a wide variety of courses taught by global experts. In your final semester, you delve more deeply into your own area of interest by completing a capstone project. While you have flexibility in the choice of your topic, you need to adhere to the project requirements (e.g., a literature review or research proposal) of the capstone course. This option is ideal if you don't need intensive research training but want to deepen and expand your biological knowledge and skills. With permission of the program director, you may complete an applied project instead of a capstone. The coursework and capstone pathway is also available in an online format.

The applied project pathway is an alternative option to the capstone pathway where you complete the applied project course under the mentorship of a single faculty member on a project that can be completed in one semester (e.g., extended literature review, analysis of a dataset, etc.). You must secure a SOLS faculty mentor willing to guide your project and complete the applied project proposal form (due by the last day of class the semester before you plan to enroll in the applied project course). The final product of the applied project is either a written report or a presentation, and the faculty mentor assigns the grade. You should note: the program can't help you find mentors. You can transition into this pathway mid-program if you secure a mentor.

Learning Outcomes
  • Synthesize current scientific literature relevant to a topic in their chosen area of life sciences.
  • Develop a life sciences research plan relevant to their degree pathway that addresses a significant scientific question about their chosen area of biology.
  • Employ principles of ethical research conduct to the design, analysis, and communication of biological research topics of their interest.

At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    Tempe campus,
    or
    online
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 30 credit hours including a written comprehensive exam
  • 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (BIO 593)
  • 30 credit hours and a thesis
  • 30 credit hours - course-based master's
  • 30 credit hours including the required capstone course (BIO 597)

COURSE-BASED OPTION

Required Core (1 credit hour)
BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in Life Sciences (1) or
BIO 611 Current Topics in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in the Life Sciences (1)

Other Requirements (2 credit hours)
BIO 541 SOLS Seminar Series (1)
BIO 542 SOLS Current Topics in the Life Sciences (1)

Electives (27 credit hours)

OPTIONS WITH CULMINATING EXPERIENCE

Required Core (1 credit hour)
BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in Life Sciences (1) or
BIO 611 Current Topics in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in the Life Sciences (1)

Other Requirements (2 credit hours)
BIO 541 SOLS Seminar Series (1)
BIO 542 SOLS Current Topics in the Life Sciences (1)

Electives (21, 24 or 27 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (0, 3 or 6 credit hours)
BIO 593 Applied Project (3)
BIO 597 Capstone (3)
BIO 599 Thesis (6)
written comprehensive exam (0)

Additional Curriculum Information
This master's degree offers a course-based option. Students choose one of the culminating experience options listed above.

The thesis option is best suited for students who wish to pursue original research under the close mentorship of a faculty advisor.

The capstone option is best suited for students who want to develop expertise in a specific area of biology through an individualized curriculum and a focused, discipline-specific written project.

The applied project option is best suited for students who wish to apply scientific methods and reasoning to a real-world problem or professional context.

The written comprehensive exam option is a good fit for students who prefer an examination-based demonstration of their knowledge or who need flexibility in how they complete their degree.

The course-based option is also a strong option for science communicators, journalists, or educators who already possess strong communication skills and wish to deepen their biological content expertise, as well as for professionals working in industry, government, or biology-adjacent fields who wish to broaden or update their scientific knowledge to better serve in their current or future roles.

The number of credit hours required for the electives depends on the culminating experience chosen; all students must complete 30 credit hours to complete this program.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in biology or a related discipline from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants must submit the following:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. academic record form
  4. personal statement
  5. curriculum vitae or resume
  6. three letters of recommendation
  7. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

It is desired that applicants have research experience.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

BS - Microbiology

Explore the unseen world of microorganisms and their profound influence on human health, ecosystems and global systems. You'll get training that blends foundational biological science with hands-on laboratory training in modern molecular techniques.

Microbiology Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Biological Sciences

Explore the diversity of living systems and the connections that sustain life with a degree that offers flexible specialization options and hands-on research experiences. Work alongside faculty in research labs and develop practical skills in laboratory work, field studies and scientific communication.

Biological Sciences Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology)

Study the biological mechanisms that control gene expression, cellular communication and organismal development, gaining deep knowledge in areas that can help you drive advances in medicine and biotechnology.

Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology)

Study how organisms engage with their environments, analyze ecological data, and conduct fieldwork in Arizona's deserts and beyond. Explore the science of biodiversity as you prepare to design solutions that conserve species, sustain ecosystems and promote a more resilient and sustainable planet.

Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences (Biology and Society)

Explore the intersection of biology and human systems while you examine how scientific knowledge shapes our understanding of the world and the systems we create, including health care, environmental policy, public communication and ethical decision-making.

Biological Sciences (Biology and Society) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology

Explore how biological systems function at the molecular level and how that knowledge drives innovation in health care, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. You'll study molecular biological processes that shape health and disease while gaining extensive hands-on laboratory experience with techniques such as molecular cloning, PCR and protein analysis.

Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior)

Explore how organisms think, move and behave. Investigate the biological mechanisms behind neural processes, physiological systems and behavior while developing research and analytical skills through laboratory experiences and faculty-led investigations.

Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Microbiology (Medical Microbiology)

Study infectious disease through a degree that prepares you to understand pathogens, diagnostics and disease mechanisms. Explore the biology of microorganisms and obtain training in clinical laboratory techniques used in health care and research settings.

Microbiology (Medical Microbiology) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences)

Explore human biology, disease processes and molecular health mechanisms. You'll build a foundation in chemistry and biology while gaining practical laboratory and research experience essential for success in health-related professions.

Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



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Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for life sciences careers in educational, medical, industrial and governmental institutions.

The thesis pathway is ideal for those pursuing research-intensive careers in academic or business settings. The coursework and capstone option is for those seeking careers in which deeper biological knowledge is valuable, such as secondary school teachers reaching for higher certifications, biotechnicians who want to add conceptual depth or analytical abilities to their laboratory skills, and writers who want to expand their scientific expertise.

Career examples include:

  • food, agriculture and health care scientist in an academic, private or industrial lab
  • instructor at a community college
  • researcher or technician in a government lab or at a nonprofit organization
  • science teacher at an elementary or high school
  • science writer
  • wildlife, animal or conservation scientist

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information.

Learn about online options

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • [email protected]
  • 480/965-1768


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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