Biology (M.S.)

This innovative biology master’s program enables you to pursue advanced training while building highly valued workplace skills.

Degree Requirements and Course Descriptions

View degree requirements and course descriptions in the Graduate Catalog.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

View admission requirements for the master's degree in biology. Please note that application deadlines for the thesis track and non-thesis track vary.

Program Overview

The master’s in biology requires 30 credits of coursework. Choose between the thesis or non-thesis track.

Thesis Track

The Thesis Track is designed for students who plan further study for their doctoral degree, for those whose employment requires research training, and for those who wish to teach in community colleges. Students in this track complete a major research project. Graduate teaching and research assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis to full-time thesis students.

Non-Thesis Track

The Non-Thesis Track is designed for students who want a broader background in biology, including secondary school teachers or students planning to apply to professional schools. Research opportunities are available but not required for the degree.

Dejaha Kenney

Our Students

Meet biology graduate student Dajaha Kenney. More Information

Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Biology?

Greater Baltimore is a center for high technology and biomedical research where candidates with master’s-level training in biology are in demand. The Master of Science in Biology prepares you with:

comprehensive foundational knowledge in your area of specialty
advanced competence in research design and methods
communication skills beneficial for professional scientists

Our graduates work in research facilities, private and government laboratories, environmental consulting firms, and public and private secondary schools. Some students continue their education in competitive Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) programs.

Why Towson University?

Academic Advantages

Small classes with exceptional student-faculty interaction and guidance developing research projects
State-of-the-art equipment and laboratories, including outdoor, wooded lab sites
Program flexibility—choose between two tracks
Convenient for students who work full time, as courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening

Faculty Research

There are many opportunities to work with our accomplished faculty of biologists on diverse research projects, including:

Cellular and Molecular: Virology, Cancer, Signaling, Immunology, Host-pathogen, Biochemistry
Microbiology: Host-microbe interactions, Microbiome
Genetics: Population, Genomics, Conservation
Physiology: Behavior, Biomechanics, Ecological, Evolutionary, Functional Morphology
Organismal: Mammalogy, Ichthyology, Ornithology, Herpetology, Invertebrate, Vertebrate, Entomology, Marine
Ecology: Plant, Microbial, Behavioral, Molecular, Community, Ecosystem, Toxicology, Conservation, Population
Evolution: Molecular, Systematics, Phylogenetics, Morphology, Microbial, Biodiversity