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:
- cell and molecular biology
- 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 a regionally 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 | 18 credit hours in an area related to this graduate degree and at least 12 hours must be at the upper-division level. | |
| 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 | |
| TOEFL/IELTS Score | 550 TOEFL Paper / 79 TOEFL Internet / 6.5 IELTS scores for International applicants (exempt countries). | |
| Purpose Statement | Required | |
| Letters of Recommendation | 2 demonstrating your academic and personal attributes for success in 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. | ||
Admission 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) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | |||
| Fall | Spring | Summer | |
| Priority | March 15 | August 15 | Not Available |
| International | June 1 | November 1 | April 1 |
| Domestic | June 1 | November 1 | April 1 |
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.
