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Master of Arts in Biology Program

Overview

The Master of Arts in Biology program helps students update and deepen their knowledge of the biomedical sciences, prepare for employment in related fields, and advance their professional standing while obtaining a graduate science degree on a part-time basis through evening and online courses.

The program is designed to be adaptable to each individual’s unique background and goals, and it provides a flexible curriculum and individual support for each student. Students include science and health professionals, teachers, technicians, and individuals in biology-related businesses.

For more information, please see the Master of Arts in Biology Frequently Asked Questions.

Note: the MA in Biology is a terminal graduate degree awarded on the basis of coursework rather than research. Except in rare cases, it is not intended as preparation for a PhD degree. No more than 6 of the 30 credits may be earned in research courses. Those interested in graduate research or in earning a PhD should apply to the PhD programs offered by Washington University’s Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences.

Frequently Asked Questions

See our FAQ page for more info about applications, registration, requirements, and other logistical details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Admission Requirements

The Master of Arts in Biology program is currently closed to new applicants while the program undergoes a redesign. Please refer back to this page for updates.

Transferring Credit

A maximum of three units of related, comparable graduate-level coursework may be transferred from another university or from a related graduate program at Washington University with the approval of the program director. These must be graduate-level units not used to fulfill undergraduate degree or postbaccalaureate program requirements. Transfer credit may be granted only for authorized courses for which the student received a grade of B or higher.

Baccalaureate Degree

Qualified applicants should have completed previous undergraduate course work in biology, mathematics, and chemistry and obtained a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.

Course Prerequisites

Prerequisites for this program include a year of general biology with labs, a year of general chemistry with labs, and a semester of calculus.  Some elective program courses will also require organic chemistry or other advanced biology course work. Please review course descriptions for details.

Course Work

Required Courses: 30 Units

Students have the freedom to select courses that match their own interests. Students must complete 30 units of graduate coursework in the biological sciences, including a required capstone experience.

Capstone Experience

Students are eligible to complete the Capstone Experience once they have completed 21 units in the program. Options for the capstone are as follows:

  • Complete a capstone course
  • Complete a 3-unit independent study
  • Complete a 6-unit master’s thesis: students with appropriate backgrounds, interests, and academic qualifications may, with authorization, write a master’s thesis based on original library or laboratory research.

Please see the Independent Study and Master’s Thesis page for more information.

Note: The above options cannot count as the capstone if taken before a student has completed 21 units toward the Master of Arts in Biology.

Useful Links

Frequently Asked Questions