Master of Science in Biology
The Master of Science in Biology program at the University of Michigan-Flint equips you with the knowledge and experiences needed to be an essential member of a research laboratory and play an investigative role in scientific discoveries that change lives.
Researchers pursuing breakthroughs in biology must have exceptional critical thinking skills and extensive training. Specifically designed for students driven to pursue biological research in the private or public sectors or teach secondary science, the MS in Biology blends sophisticated hands-on training and techniques within new research areas.
Through the on-campus Biology master’s degree program, you advance your laboratory and field skills and learn to apply critical thinking to ground-breaking scientific research.
Current UM-Flint students may wish to consider enrolling on our Joint BS/MS in Biology. The joint program curriculum allows students to simultaneously earn undergraduate and graduate credits, which count for bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Why Earn Your Biology Master’s Degree at UM-Flint?
Flexible Part-/Full-time Program Format
You have the option to pursue your MS in Biology degree on a part-time basis to accommodate your busy schedule as a working professional. Or you may choose to immerse yourself in this program full-time to fast-track your degree completion in as little as 12 months. You also can select a thesis or non-thesis track, depending on your academic goals and interests.
State-of-the-Art Laboratories
At the University of Michigan-Flint, we support your innovation and scientific pursuit with first-class facilities and equipment. You have access to UM-Flint’s laboratories and equipment, allowing you to test your hypotheses and explore new findings using the latest research and analytic technology.
Research Opportunities
As part of this rigorous master’s in Biology program, you work alongside faculty members who are conducting important and diverse research across the field of biology. The faculty of the College of Innovation & Technology are deeply engaged in research. These scholarly pursuits are diverse in subject matter and allow faculty to engage with students, colleagues, the community, and industry on many projects.
Check out some of the current research activities taking place in CIT.
MS in Biology Program Curriculum
UM-Flint’s Master of Science in Biology program offers a flexible and broad curriculum that encourages original scientific research and innovation in biological sciences. Building on your undergraduate degree in biology or a related life science degree, the master’s in Biology program curriculum integrates the latest advances in biology, including new research techniques and areas of study.
With engaging lectures and hands-on laboratory experiments, students acquire advanced knowledge in cellular biology, ecology, and scientific methodology and the practical application of the knowledge in real-world settings.
In the program of study, you may choose a thesis track or a non-thesis track. The non-thesis track requires a minimum of 32 study credits to graduate, while the thesis track requires at least 30 credits. Please note we are not accepting applications to pursue the thesis option at this time. You may contact Dr. Heather Dawson at hdawson@umich.edu with any questions.
Review the detailed Master of Science in Biology program curriculum.
Program Information Request
At the University of Michigan-Flint, we have dedicated staff who will help you choose a program that meets your career goals. For any questions about earning or starting your MS in Biology, contact CIT Graduate Programs at citgradoffice@umich.edu.
What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Biology?
With a master’s degree in Biology, you are ready to pursue a wide variety of rewarding careers in the growing field of life sciences, especially in the state of Michigan. In 2022, Michigan planned to grow the life sciences and agribusiness industries and create over 280 high-paying jobs.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Biological Scientists’ median annual wage is $106,790 in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn metropolitan area, while the national median is $90,010.
Common career paths with an MS degree in Biology:
- Research Scientist
- Wildlife Biologist
- Molecular Biologist
- Microbiologist
- Preparation for professional school such as Medical, Dental, Veterinary
- Preparation for PhD programs in the life sciences
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in biology or related life science from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in required prerequisite courses.
- Completion of the following prerequisites at a regionally accredited university:
- Cell Biology, Ecology, Genetics
- Organic Chemistry
- Pre-Calculus Mathematics
- General Physics
- Statistics (preferably Biostatistics) recommended
Applicants who have completed a BS in Biology at UM-Flint automatically fulfill these prerequisites.
Applying to the Master of Science in Biology Program
Submit an online application below to be considered for admission to the MS in Biology on-campus program. Other materials can be emailed to FlintGradOffice@umich.edu or delivered to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library.
- Application for Graduate Admission
- $55 application fee (non-refundable)
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Please read our full transcript policy for more information.
- For any degree completed at a non-US institution, transcripts must be submitted for an internal credential review. Read the following for instructions on how to submit your transcripts for review.
- If English is not your native language, and you are not from an exempt country, you must demonstrate English proficiency.
- Two letters of recommendation. This requirement is waived for all University of Michigan-Flint Alumni.
- Statement of Purpose: include information on why you are interested in the MS in Biology program, pertinent background information, and long-term goals. Applicants interested in the thesis option should indicate two-three faculty members they would consider as potential thesis advisors. Please note we are not accepting applications to pursue the thesis option at this time. You may contact Dr. Heather Dawson at hdawson@umich.edu with any questions.
- International students must submit additional documentation.
- International students on a student visa (F-1 or J-1) may begin the MS program in the fall or winter semester. To comply with the immigration regulations requirements, international students on a student visa must enroll in at least 6 credits of in-person classes during their fall and winter semesters.
This program is an on-campus program with in-person courses. Admitted students can apply for a student (F-1) visa. Students living abroad cannot complete this program online in their home country. Other nonimmigrant visa holders currently in the United States, please contact the Center for Global Engagement at globalflint@umich.edu.
Application Deadlines
Submit all application materials to the Office of Graduate Programs by 5 p.m. on the day of the application deadline. The master’s in Biology degree program offers rolling admission with monthly application reviews. To be considered for admission, all application materials must be submitted on or before:
- Fall (early review*) – May 1
- Fall (final review) – Aug. 1
- Winter – Dec. 1
- Summer – April 1
Arianna E.
Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology at the University of Michigan-Flint.
What are some of the best qualities of your program? This program has been revolutionary for my career outlook and educational experience. The best qualities for me are the faculty, and research opportunities. The faculty are very involved and educated in their field, and instill confidence and a sense of purpose into their students by allowing them to be involved in many different aspects of research and the community. Additionally, traveling to professional conferences with faculty has provided a pivotal and ever-evolving understanding of my future career field. The research opportunities have allowed me to be involved in many different aspects of biology, which can help one determine where they would like to direct their career path. Ultimately, the research I have been involved in on the Flint River in Flint, Michigan has provided an enormous amount of passion, enrichment and enjoyment throughout my experience at the university.
*You must have a complete application by the early deadline to be eligible for scholarships, grants, and research assistantships.
The final deadlines for international students are May 1 for the fall semester and Oct. 1 for the winter semester. Those students from abroad who are not seeking a student visa may follow the other application deadlines noted above.
Learn More about UM-Flint’s Master’s in Biology Degree
If you are ready to blaze a trail in the world of biology and life sciences, join the Master of Science in Biology degree program at the University of Michigan-Flint! Under the guidance of renowned faculty, you have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research or conduct your individual research in your area of interest.
Ready for the next step? Apply to UM-Flint’s master’s in Biology program or request information today!
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