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. 

Biology Curriculum

The M.S in Biological Science is a 30-credit master's degree with an optional thesis. (Note: The Education, Communication and Outreach Option requires 33 credits.)

While it is possible to complete M.S. requirements without the thesis or project option, 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.


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.

Tuition and Admissions

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

Complete the FAFSA

Take the Next Step

Start your online application today!

Meet Our Students

Emmanuelle Oliveira poses outdoors holding hands with her husband and four children.
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.
Read More About Emmanuelle Oliveira 
Alex Eden teaches biology to a group of students in his classroom at Greater Lowell Technical High School
Alexander Eden '18, '21
Biology

UTeach graduate Alexander Eden won the Exemplary New Teacher Award for science education in his first year of teaching.

I want to teach high school students, because I think I can help them and serve as a role model.
Read More About Alexander Eden 
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 
Deepshikha Ananthaswamy presents with a screen behind her showing a diagram of chromatin remodeling, which controls gene expression, and the words Ananthaswamy et al (in prep).
Deepshikha Ananthaswamy '22, '24
Biological Sciences, Biotechnology Option

Research experience and an internship solidified Deepshikha Ananthaswamy’s interest in biotechnology.

I love the atmosphere at UMass Lowell.
Read More About Deepshikha Ananthaswamy 
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 

Request More Information

Take a Virtual Tour of UMass Lowell

Launch virtual tour

Explore UMass Lowell from anywhere in the world. See the spaces where our students study, create, learn and live through a self-guided, interactive tour.

Questions? Contact Us!

Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu