Biology

Master's

Why This Program & What You'll Learn

As a master's student in biology, you won't just conduct meaningful research. You'll find your lab work intertwined with field opportunities. This hands-on program gives you a chance to work with our distinguished faculty while exploring the natural wonders that surround us in Michigan.

You'll choose from two tracks in this program. The first is meant for students preparing for research-oriented careers or further study and requires a thesis. Most students pursue this option. Some students follow a non-thesis option. Your coursework will be approved by your advisory committee, and you'll complete minor research or independent study report.

Accelerated Admissions to the M.S. in Biology and M.S. in Biology: Conservation Concentration

CMU undergraduate students can pursue a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Biology or an M.S. in Biology: Conservation Concentration while still fulfilling the requirements for their Bachelor's degree. Accelerated admission is available for the Plan A option (thesis, 30 credits) in either the M.S. in Biology or the M.S. in Biology: Conservation Concentration. Accelerated admission for the Plan B option (non-thesis, 36 credits) is an option for the M.S. in Biology only.

Program Highlights

You'll conduct cutting-edge research while working alongside caring faculty in the biology master's program:

• We're a research leader. Our Carnegie research classification places us among the top 5 percent of research institutions in the U.S. Graduate students work alongside faculty on cutting-edge research questions in the fields of microbiology, cellular and molecular biology, physiology, developmental biology and genetics.
• Our biological station on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan is a researcher's dream: Explore cedar swamps, sand dunes, and the lake itself on our research vessel, MV Chippewa.
• The 4-story, 169,000-square-foot Biosciences Building is home to a vivarium, herbarium and microscopy facility.