Why Pursue a Biology Master's Degree
The Master of Science degree in Biology offers a thesis and non-thesis option to cater to different graduate journeys. Individual programs are organized around each student’s interests in consultation with the student’s graduate advisor. Graduate faculty research interests include biochemistry, cellular biology, developmental biology, genetics, microbiology, neuroscience, physiology, and plant sciences.
Thesis
A thesis option is offered to students who want an opportunity to develop expertise in research techniques and data analysis.
There are three emphases within which to conduct a thesis:
- Developmental and Regenerative Sciences
- Ecology
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Neuroscience
This option is recommended for students who plan a career in research or contemplate pursuing a doctorate in one of the life sciences.
Non-Thesis
A non-thesis option is offered for those who want the opportunity to earn the Master of Science degree through organized coursework. This option might be suitable for students interested in secondary school teaching in the life sciences.
Admission & Application Requirements
Applications are submitted through the UTSA Graduate Application. Please upload all required documents (listed below) on your UTSA Graduate Application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure completion and submission of the application, a nonrefundable application fee, and all required supporting documents are on file with UTSA by the appropriate application deadline.
| Biology (MS) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Required Degree | Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution. | |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) Departments may consider GPA of last 60 semester credit hours | |
| Coursework | Completed adequate credit hours or foreign institution equivalent coursework as preparation for the program. | |
| Transcripts* | Required from all institutions attended; international transcripts must be recorded/translated to English | |
| Credential Evaluation | Required if you have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions. Submit an evaluation of your transcripts from Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) directly from the graduate admission application platform | |
| English Language Proficiency | 550 TOEFL Paper / 79 TOEFL Internet / 6.5 IELTS / Duolingo 100 | |
| Purpose Statement | Required | |
| Letters of Recommendation | 2 academic or professional reference(s) demonstrating your attributes for successful completion of this program (you will request these through the Graduate Admissions Application; let your recommenders know of your deadline to ensure submissions are on time) | |
| *Unofficial transcripts will be taken into consideration for admissions; however, if admitted into the program, you must submit official transcripts to the University. | ||
Application Deadlines
Applicants are encouraged to have their admission file completed as early as possible. All applications, required documents and letters of recommendation, if applicable, must be submitted by 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time on the day of the deadline. Deadlines are subject to change.
| Biology (MS) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing on Admission Decision: Completed applications will be reviewed for admission on a rolling basis. Decisions generally will be made and sent to applicants within 4 to 6 weeks of receiving the application. | |||
| Application Deadlines for: | Priority | International | Domestic |
| Spring 2025 | Not Available | November 1 | December 1 |
| Summer 2025 | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| Fall 2025 | March 15 | June 1 | June 1 |
| Spring 2026 | Not Available | November 1 | November 1 |
| Summer 2026 | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
Funding Opportunities
Qualified students are encouraged to apply for teaching assistantships and fellowships. For more information about graduate funding, click below.
Learn MoreCareer Options
UTSA prepares you for future careers that are in demand. The possible careers below is data pulled by a third-party tool called Emsi, which pulls information from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, other government databases and more to give you regional and national career outlook related to this academic program.
This program is housed on UTSA’s Main campus.
