Gain advanced knowledge and research expertise in biology to prepare for careers in science, technology and education.

At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Part Time | Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    On Campus
  • Degree
    MS

MS in Biological Sciences Overview

Expand your expertise in the life sciences with UMass Lowell's Master of Science in Biological Sciences. You can choose from four specialized tracks to align with your career interests:

  • General Option: Customize your studies across cellular, organismal, ecological, evolutionary, molecular and physiological biology to match your educational and professional goals.
  • Biotechnology Option: Gain hands-on experience and knowledge essential for success in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
  • Bioinformatics Option: Prepare for roles in bioinformatics and computational biology through interdisciplinary coursework emphasizing the analysis and interpretation of biological data.
  • Education, Communication and Outreach Option: Develop the skills to effectively communicate biological concepts, ideal for careers in education, curriculum development and science communication.

Our program fosters critical thinking and equips you with the competencies needed for independent laboratory research. Through advanced lectures, seminars and laboratory courses, you'll be prepared to excel in academic, industrial or educational settings. 

Program Quick Facts

  • GRE Not Required
  • STEM-Designated Degree Program
  • Scholarships & Financial Aid Available
  • Available Part-Time and Full-Time

Biology Curriculum

The M.S in Biological Science degree can be completed through one of three tracks: thesis, project or non-thesis. 

While it is possible to complete M.S. requirements without a thesis or project, participation in a research project or thesis is a key activity that can distinguish graduate from undergraduate education. All full-time M.S. degree students are, therefore, strongly urged to elect thesis or project options.

Please note that acceptance to the M.S. in Biological Sciences program does not guarantee a position in a research lab. Membership in a research lab must be confirmed with the faculty member in charge of the lab.

For a complete list of academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.

View graduate course listing.


This is a 30-credit program.
Core Required Courses
Course #Course NameCr.
Total7
BIOL.5190Biochemistry I3
BIOL.6030Graduate Colloquium1
BIOL.6040Professional Communication
3
Biology Electives
Course #Course NameCr.
Total23, 17 or 11
BIOL.5000Professional Experience3
BIOL.5090Photobiology3
BIOL.5130/5150Invertebrate Zoology II3/1
BIOL.5160Climate Change4
BIOL.5200Biochemistry II3
BIOL.5210Biochemistry Techniques2
BIOL.5260Evolutionary Biology3
BIOL.5290Recombinant Protein Production4
BIOL.5320/5340LGenomics/Laboratory3/1
BIOL.5360Behavioral Ecology
BIOL.5370/5390Biology and Evolution of Anthropoda3/1
BIOL.5420Cell Biology3
BIOL.5520Quantitative Physiology3
BIOL.5550Entomology
BIOL.5550Entomology Lab
BIOL.5570/5590Metazoan Parasitology3/1
BIOL.5600Stem Cell Biology3
BIOL.5620/5630Cardiovascular Physiology4
BIOL.5670Molecular Biology (lecture only)3
BIOL.5690Molecular Techniques (lab only)
BIOL.5720Virology3
BIOL.5760Cell Culture4
BIOL.5800/5810LDevelopmental Biology/Lab3/1
BIOL.5820Cancer Biology3
BIOL.5890Practical Protein Crystallography4
BIOL.5900Human Neurobiology3
BIOL.5930/5950LImmunology/Lab3/2
BIOL.6660
Selected Topics in
Molecular and Cellular Biology
3
BIOL.7070Internship in Biology3
BIOL.7210Special Problems in Biology3
Project or Thesis Option
Course #Course NameCr.
Total6 or 12
Master's Project0-6
Master's Thesis0-12

Other Approved Electives
Course #Course NameCr.
Total3
CHEN.5350Cell and Microbe Cultivation3
CHEN.5450Isolation/Purification Biotech Products3
CHEN.5480Engineering Process Analytics3
CHEN.5550Biopharmaceutical GMP/Licensing3
CHEN.5860Biotech Processing Lab3
CHEN.5370Nanomaterial Characterization I3
CHEN.5410Nanomaterial Characterization II3
NUTR.5720Nutrition and Gene Expression3
NUTR.5630Vitamins and Minerals3
NUTR.5060Biochemistry of Lipids3
HSCI.5500Human Development & Pathophysiology3
PHRM.6501Drug Discovery3
PHRM.6100Principles of Pharmaceutical Sciences3
IM.7XXMarine Science and Tech. Courses3
Pathways (Courses, Project or Thesis)
Courses OnlyProjectThesis
Required7*7*7*
Project/Thesis0612
Electives231711
Total303030
*If taken as a UML undergraduate, the course does not need to be retaken. However, the credits (3) must be made up by taking additional courses.

Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 12/3/20

This is a 30-credit program.
Core Required Courses
Course #Course NameCr.
Total9
BIOL.5190Biochemistry I3
BIOL.5210Techniques in Biochemistry 
3
BIOL.6040Professional Communication in Science and Technology3
Required Laboratory Courses (choose 3)
Course #Course NameCr.
Total???
BIOL.5290Recombinant Protein Production3
BIOL.5340LGenomics Laboratory (taken concurrently with BIOL.5930)1
BIOL.5690LMolecular Biology Lab3
BIOL.5890Practical Protein Crystallography3
BIOL.5760Cell Culture3
BIOL.5950LImmunology Laboratory (taken concurrently with BIOL.5930)1
Recommended Electives (Choose 3)*
Course #Course NameCr.
Total9
BIOL.5350Cell and Microbe Cultivation3
CHEN.5450Isolation and Purification3
CHEN.5550Biopharmaceutical GMP and Licensing3
CHEN.5860Biotechnology Processing Projects Laboratory3
BIOL.5720Virology3
BIOL.7330LProjects Laboratory3
BIOL.7330MS Project in Biology3

*Up to 9 credits of coursework may be taken in other departments. The sum of core and elective courses must total at least 30 credits.

Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 6/25/20

This is a 30-credit program.
Core Required Courses
Course #Course NameCr.
Total4
BIOL.6030Graduate Colloquium1
BIOL.6040Professional Communication
3
Any 3 Bioinformatics Courses (with at least 2 labs)
Course #Course NameCr.
Total11-12
BIOL.5050LBioinformatics + Lab4
BIOL.5300Cancer Genomics3
BIOL.5320Genomics3
BIOL.5340LGenomics Lab1
BIOL.5700Data Science for Biologists in Python3
BIOL.5772LData Science for Biologists in Python Lab1
BIOL.5860Experimental Design and Analysis of Life Science3
BIOL.5892Crystallography and Structural Bioinformatics3
BIOL.5894LCrystallography and Structural Bioinformatics Lab1
Biology Electives (0-4 courses)*
Course #Course NameCr.
Total0-12
BIOL.5XXX or above
BIOL.5XXX or above
BIOL.5XXX or above
BIOL.5XXX or above
Any additional graduate course in biology0-4

Approved Interdisciplinary Graduate Electives (Choose 1)
Course #Course NameCr.
Total3
COMP.5030Algorithms3
COMP.5400Visual Analytics3
COMP.5411Data Visualization3
COMP.5440Data Mining3
COMP.5450Machine Learning3
COMP.5510Bioinformatics for CS3
COMP.5520Foundations in Digital Health3
COMP.5730Data Base I3
COMP.5740Data Base II3
CHEM.5620Biopharmaceutical Development3
CHEM.5670Computational Biochemistry3
CHEM.5700Protein Chemistry3
CHEM.5800Bioananalytical Chemistry3
CHEM.6310Principles of Medicinal Chemistry I3
CHEM.6320Principles of Medicinal Chemistry II3
MATH.5550Applied Math for Life Sciences3
MATH.5630Computational Mathematics3
MATH.5750Applied Statistics with R3
MATH.5780Statistical Inference and Data Mining3
MATH. 5910Linear Models and Regression3
MATH. 5930Experimental Design3
ATMO.5030Remote Sensing3
ATMO.5050Atmospheric Measurements and Data Analysis3
ENVI.5040Geographic Information Systems3
PHRM.6200Pharmacokinetics3
PHRM.6400Pharmaceutical Analysis3
PHRM.6410Drug Delivery3
PHRM.6501Drug Discovery3
PUBH.5310Health Informatics3
PUBH.5750Epidemiology and Biostatistics3
PUBH.5760Biostatistical Programming3
PUBH.5770Biostatistics for Health Data3
PUBH.6870Quantitative Models for Public Health3
PUBH.6890Advanced Regression Modeling3
XXXX.5XXX 
or above
Any COMP, MATH, CHEM, 
or other non-bio graduate course with approval of graduate coordinator
3

*Courses required depends whether the student is completing a thesis. project or coursework only program.

Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 10/29/20

This is a 33-credit program. It is not an education license-granting program.
Curriculum Options:
Coursework Only (33 credits)
  • 21 credits in biological sciences coursework
  • 9 credits in electives from the Departments of Business, Education or Psychology¶
  • 3 credits in supervised teaching of a biology course*
Coursework Plus Masters Project (33 credits)
  • 18-21 credits in biological sciences coursework
  • 6-9 credits in electives from the Departments of Business, Education or Psychology ¶
  • 3 credits in supervised teaching of a biology course*
  • 3-6 credit project in either biology or biology education**
Coursework Plus Masters Thesis (33 credits)
  • 18 credits in biological sciences coursework
  • 6 credits in electives from the Departments of Business, Education or Psychology ¶
  • 3 credits in supervised teaching of a biology course*
  • 6 credit thesis in either biology or biology education*

Core Required Courses
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total9
BIOL.5190Biochemistry I (or an approved equivalent)3
BIOL.6040Professional Communication in Science and Technology
3
BIOL.7100Supervised Teaching of a Biology Course3

Biology Electives

18-21 additional credits (beyond the core biology curriculum required) of graduate level biology coursework. 

Electives in Business, Education and Psychology

6 credits in electives from the College of Education (one course MUST be from COE), Manning School of Business or the Department of Psychology.
Examples of Business Electives
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
MGMT.5010Organizational Behavior3
MGMT.6010Managing Organizational Change (MGMT.5010 is a prerequisite)3
Examples of Education Electives
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.5760Curriculum and Teaching Science3
EDUC.6101Theories of Learning3
EDUC.6240Assessment of Learning3
EDUC.6350Dynamics of Curricular Change3
EDUC.6380Curriculum Design K-123
EDUC.6423Program Evaluation3
EDUC.6441Models of Teaching3
EDUC.6510Technology and Learning Environment3
EDUC.6760Exploring the Nature of Science3
Examples of Psychology Electives
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PSYCH.5000Introduction to Community Social Psychology3
PSYCH.5120Applied Research Methods (pre-req or co-req is PSYCH.50003
PSYCH.6770Applied Cognitive Psychology to Education3
PSYCH.6780Seminar in Metacognition3
PSYCH.5710Autism and Developmental Psychopathology3
PSYCH.5610Introduction to Behavioral Intervention in Autism3
PSYCH.5620Teaching and Positive Behavioral Support3
PSYCH.5880Advanced Cognition3
PSYCH.6630Experimental Analysis of Behavior3
PSYCH.6810Health campaigns: Effects and Processes3

Total Credits = 33

¶At least one elective course must be from the School of Education.

•Supervised Instruction in Undergraduate Biology Education (BIOL.7100): Graduate students will assist with the preparation of course materials, teaching and/or grading in selected courses offered by the Department of Biological Sciences.  Students will be expected to work well independently, while also working under the supervision of a faculty mentor.  Through these activities, the student will learn about materials used, as well as teaching and learning techniques implemented in undergraduate biology education.

** Project or thesis could be in biology or biology education depending on future career plans; this decision would require advice from the department.

★This option would not be an education license-granting program.

Last updated: 8/20/24

Why Study Biology at UMass Lowell?

Biology research female putting liquid in test tube

Research Opportunities

Conduct innovative research through advanced laboratory courses and faculty-led projects, developing essential critical thinking and laboratory skills.

Professor and student assemble bones in a UMass Lowell biology lab

Experienced Faculty

Learn from award-winning faculty committed to excellence in education and research, providing mentorship and expertise in various biological disciplines.

Biological Sciences student, Bryan Richard, feeding a lungfish.

Strategic Location

Benefit from UMass Lowell's proximity to Boston's biotech corridor, offering access to internships and professional development in a thriving life sciences hub.

Professor and student view skull on computer screen in UMass Lowell biology lab

Comprehensive Support

Access resources like the Graduate Student Manual and dedicated graduate coordinators to assist with program planning and research opportunities.

Biology Career Outlook

  • +15.2%

    Projected job growth in New England (2022–2033)

    (Lightcast, 2024)

  • $94,800

    Median annual earnings for master's degree holders in New England

    (Lightcast, 2024)

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

View Estimated Annual Tuition and Fees for the 2025 - 2026 Academic Year

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

  • Application:
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (maximum 2 pages).
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants.
  • Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but if accepted, official transcripts are required. We do not accept opened, photocopied, emailed PDFs or faxed official transcripts.
  • Test Scores: UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are only required for the following programs:
    • Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science,
    • Medical Physics and Radiological Sciences.
    • Some programs will waive the test score requirements under certain conditions.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

Chemistry and Polymer Science Ph.D. Applicants

All required documents are due to the Office of Graduate Admissions by February 15 for full Fall consideration. Applications received after this date will be reviewed for the next semester.

International Applicants

A transcript evaluation is required for the M.S. in Biological Sciences and Ph.D. in Applied Biology.

International transcripts must indicate completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree (equivalent of an American bachelor's degree) before an application will be processed. The Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credentials evaluated.  Baccalaureate verification may be obtained for a fee from:

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
  • Duolingo: 115+
  • ASC English: Level 6+
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+

Take the Next Step

Start your online application today!

Meet Our Students

Brooke Sienkiewicz diving in Belize.
Brooke Sienkiewicz
Applied Biology Ph.D.

Brooke Sienkiewicz conducts fieldwork in the Caribbean as part of her Ph.D. program.

I’m so grateful that I get to do field research in the Caribbean.
Read More About Brooke Sienkiewicz 
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Emmanuelle Oliveira ’10, ’12
Biological Sciences/Biotechnology

Despite multiple roadblocks, biological sciences alum Emmanuelle Oliveira ’10, ’12 is on her way to becoming a doctor.

UMass Lowell offered scholarships that allowed me to go to college.
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Sam DeLap '21
Biological Sciences, Mathematics

Sam DeLap ’21 went from an intern to a lead engineer in just one year at Science Applications International Corporation.

There’s a certain level of curiosity that developed while I was doing research that has served me very well.
Read More About Sam DeLap 
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Morgan Tierno '20
Biology and UTeach

Biology teacher Morgan Tierno’s student teaching and first year on the job were complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic and major social issues. But, she says, UTeach prepared her for those challenges.

Sometimes, the most important thing to do as a teacher is just to listen and be there for your students.
Read More About Morgan Tierno 
Brian Richard uses a tube to feed a lungfish to observe it chewing.
Brian Richard ’22, ’24
Biological Sciences

Brian Richard sees the importance of diversity on campus.

My ambition is to show people that you can be disabled and be successful.
Read More About Brian Richard 

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