Full time  Part time  BS to MS

The UMass Lowell biology master's program fosters critical thinking and develops skills needed for independent laboratory study. This is accomplished, in part, by offering advanced lecture, seminar and laboratory courses.

There are four options for the Master of Science in Biological Science:

• General Option offers flexibility so students can create a program that fits their educational and employment goals.
• Biotechnology Option focuses on training essential to employment in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
• Bioinformatics Option prepares students for academic and industry positions by providing interdisciplinary coursework emphasizing computational analysis and interpretation of biological datasets.
• Education, Communication and Outreach Option offers tailored coursework to prepare graduates to effectively communicate biological and scientific concepts using evidence-based approaches in their desired career paths.

See also the graduate catalog for details on both options. 

• Course listing
• Degree pathways

The UMass Intercampus Graduate School offers two M.S. degrees:

• Marine Science and Technology, contact David Ryan regarding marine science
• Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology,  contact Erno Sajo regarding biomedical engineering.

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.

Contacts:

• Admission questions and inquiries, send an e-mail to: bio_grad_admissions@uml.edu.
• Information for incoming and current graduate students, see the graduate student manual (pdf).
• Matriculated students should contact Graduate Coordinator Jeffrey R. Moore.

The Department of Biological Sciences offers three graduate certificates:

• Biotechnology and Bioprocessing
• Environmental Biotechnology
• Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology.

For general information about admissions and courses, see the graduate catalog.

Applications for the Master of Science, including the Bioinformatics, Biotechnology and Education, Communication and Outreach Options, are considered twice per year, with deadlines for receipt of applications of Oct. 15 and Jan. 10 for the following Spring and Fall semesters, respectively.

Entering graduate students are expected to have a sound preparation in the biological sciences, chemistry, physics, calculus, and statistics. A student found deficient in any of these areas may be required, during the first year, to take appropriate courses to eliminate the deficiencies. If the student has not had a biochemistry course, BIOL.5190 should be taken for graduate credit. The departmental Graduate Coordinator helps plan the entering students programs of study, acquaints them with research opportunities in the department, and assists in selecting research advisors.

Applications for the Professional Science Master's program (PSM) are accepted year round, but it is recommended that complete applications be submitted several months before expected matriculation. Similarly to the MS degree described above, applicants are expected to have a strong background in biological science.

Applications and information for admission to the MS and PSM programs can be found at the Graduate Admissions website.

UMass Lowell undergraduate students with a 3.0 GPA or better have the opportunity to save time and money by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in a little as five years. Students can continue from bachelor’s to master’s level studies within their own department. Or students can apply to a program in a different department to create a set of skills to meet emerging needs in the workplace and their own academic interests.

Learn more about Bachelor's to Master's Programs 

Please refer to the UMass Lowell Graduate Catalog for the latest information about courses, retention, degree and thesis requirements.