Graduate Programs
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Master of Science
The objective of this program is to foster critical thinking and to develop skills needed for independent laboratory study. This is accomplished, in part, by offering advanced lecture, seminar, and laboratory courses.
The Department of Biological Sciences offers two options for Masters degrees. The Master of Science in Biological Sciences offers flexibility so students can create a program that fits their career goals. The Master of Science in Biological Sciences - Biotechnology Option focuses on training essential to employment in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. See the graduate catalog for details on both options.
While it is possible to complete M.S. requirements without the thesis or project option, it is the latter activities that most distinguishes graduate from undergraduate students. All full-time M.S. degree students are, therefore, strongly urged to elect thesis or project options.
If you have admission questions and inquiries send an e-mail to bio_grad_admissions@uml.edu.
Please note that the deadlines for receipt of complete applications are October 15 and January 10 for the following spring and fall semesters, respectively.
Matriculated students with specific questions about our Master's Program should contact Dr. Jerome Hojnacki, our Graduate Coordinator.
Professional Science Master's Degree
The Department of Biological Sciences offers four Professional Science Master's (PSM) Degree options: Applied Biotechnology, Biosafety, Environmental Biotechnology, and Project Management for Life Sciences. See the graduate catalog for details. PSM's maintain a strong science core while incorporating professional communication (oral, written) skills, multidisciplinary training, management courses, and a professional internship into the curriculum. Applicants to PSM's include individuals with baccalaureate degrees currently employed at science companies, as well as new bachelor's degree recipients from the United States and abroad who desire to combine in-depth science training with workplace skills important for their career advancement.
Please note that there are no deadlines for receipt of complete applications for the PSM programs. However, it is recommended that complete applications be submitted several months prior to expected matriculation.
For admission questions and inquiries send an email to bio_grad_admissions@uml.edu.
Doctoral Programs
The Department of Biological Sciences also collaborates with the Department of Chemistry in offering the Ph.D. Option in Biochemistry. Laboratory thesis research is a required component of this program. If you have specific questions about our Doctoral Biochemistry Program, contact Dr. Thomas Shea, our Doctoral Program Coordinator.
It is also possible to obtain an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Marine Science and Technology or Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology through Intercampus Graduate School Programs offered together with other campuses of the UMass System. Contact Dr. Juliette Rooney-Varga regarding marine science and Dr. Garth Hall regarding biomedical engineering.
Graduate Certificates in Biological Sciences
Three graduate certificates are offered as described in the graduate catalog.
For general information about admissions and courses, see the graduate catalog.
For detailed information for incoming and current graduate students, see the graduate student manual (pdf).