Why Pursue a Biology Master's Degree
The Master of Science degree in Biology offers non-thesis and thesis options 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, ecology, genomics, immunology, 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 four emphases within which to conduct a thesis:
The thesis option is recommended for students who plan a career in research or contemplate pursuing a doctorate in one of the life sciences. Students doing a thesis conduct four semesters of research.
Initially all students will be accepted into the Open Emphasis. Those who wish to do a thesis and who are qualified for a particular track can declare a thesis track no later than the end of their first semester, at which time students will have identified a faculty member willing to be their thesis research supervisor. Research can be supervised by a faculty member in the BHE, MMI, or NDRB department.
Non-Thesis
A non-thesis, Open Emphasis, option is offered for those who want the opportunity to earn the Master of Science degree through organized coursework. This option is suitable for those interested in life science careers that are not research-based including, for example, secondary school teaching, health professions, scientific outreach and communication, and health and environmental organizations.
A second, non-thesis track is the Pre-professional Human Health Emphasis.This is an intensive 3-semester program that helps to prepare students for the rigors of professional school.
To be considered for Open Emphasis applicant must have:
- Upper division courses with a grade of at least B in at least 3 of the following courses
- Advanced Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Biostatistics
- Cell Biology
- Ecology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Neurobiology/neuroscience
- Plus 1 other relevant upper division course
FALL ADMISSIONS ONLY
To be considered for Pre-professional Human Health Emphasis applicant must have:
- Must have a minimum Undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or higher
- Upper division courses with a grade of at least B
- Biochemistry
- Cell biology
- Advanced Physiology
- plus 1 other relevant upper division course
Admission & Application Requirements
Applications are submitted through the UT San Antonio Graduate Application. Please upload all required documents (listed below) on your UT San Antonio 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 UT San Antonio 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 FCSA or any NACES-approved credential evaluation agency. | |
| 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 2026 | Not Available | November 1 | November 1 |
| Summer 2026 | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| Fall 2026 | March 15 | June 1 | June 1 |
| Spring 2027 | Not Available | November 1 | November 1 |
| Summer 2027 | 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
UT San Antonio prepares you for future careers that are in demand. The possible careers below are based on 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 Main campus.
