Biology M.S.
Receive individualized mentoring as you pursue your passion in research
As a Master’s student in the Department of Biology at UNI, you will be surrounded by students and faculty curious about life and passionate about advancing scientific knowledge through research. Our dedicated faculty provide individualized mentoring and supervise student projects and research in Cellular & Molecular Biology or Evolution, Ecology, & Conservation. See Faculty Research for an introduction to our faculty and their research interests and Thesis Research for information on recent Biology M.S. thesis research. We offer two tracks within the Biology MS program. Students in the Biology MS thesis track complete original research under the supervision of a faculty mentor and write and defend an MS thesis. Students in the Biology MS non-thesis track take additional elective coursework and complete a portfolio of project-based assignments in lieu of conducting original research.
Facilities and resources in support of Cellular & Molecular Biology and biomedical research include a tissue culture facility, CT scanner, flow cytometer, and specialized (fluorescence, confocal and scanning electron) microscopes. Students with research interests in Evolution, Ecology, & Conservation (see Scholarworks for recent Biology M.S. thesis topics) benefit from strong partnerships with the Tallgrass Prairie Center and UNI Botanical Center and access to the UNI Biological Preserves System. Graduates of our program are well-prepared for successful careers in healthcare, scientific research, education, and natural resource management. Many of our graduate students go on to excel in science-based PhD programs.
Supportive
Faculty
Our faculty supervise thesis research projects in Anatomy and Physiology, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology.
Top-Notch
Facilities
Our department hosts facilities and resources in support of cell, molecular, and biomedical research.
Partnering
Institutions
Students with research interests in ecology and conservation benefit from strong partnerships with the Tallgrass Prairie Center and UNI Botanical Center
Find out More about Biology M.S.
Tell us more and we'll send information on how you can succeed with a Masters of Science degree in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences.
Mark Myers, Ph.D.
Master of Science in Biology Program Coordinator
Faculty Research Areas
In our program, you will have a Biology faculty mentor who will provide personalized instruction and will help supervise your thesis research project. It is important to work with a faculty member whose research program is a close match to your own interests.
Students with research interests in ecology and conservation benefit from strong partnerships with the Tallgrass Prairie Center, the UNI Botanical Center, and access to the UNI Biological Preserves System. Students regularly conduct research at these facilities, and can find part-time employment at the TPC and Botanical Center.
In our program, you will have a Biology faculty mentor who will provide personalized instruction and will help supervise your thesis research project. It is important to work with a faculty member whose research program is a close match to your own interests.
Facilities and resources in support of cell, molecular, and biomedical research include a tissue culture facility, CT scanner, flow cytometer, and specialized (fluorescence, confocal and scanning electron) microscopes. Students researching in these fields will have access to these cutting-edge tools.
In our program, you will have a Biology faculty mentor who will provide personalized instruction and will help supervise your thesis research project. It is important to work with a faculty member whose research program is a close match to your own interests.
Students with research interests in ecology and conservation benefit from strong partnerships with the Tallgrass Prairie Center, the UNI Botanical Center, and access to the UNI Biological Preserves System. Students regularly conduct research at these facilities, and can find part-time employment at the TPC and Botanical Center.
In our program, you will have a Biology faculty mentor who will provide personalized instruction and will help supervise your thesis research project. It is important to work with a faculty member whose research program is a close match to your own interests.
Facilities and resources in support of cell, molecular, and biomedical research include a tissue culture facility, CT scanner, flow cytometer, and specialized (fluorescence, confocal and scanning electron) microscopes. Students researching in these fields will have access to these cutting-edge tools.
Biology M.S. Tracks
We offer two tracks within the Biology MS program. Students in the Biology MS thesis track complete original research under the supervision of a faculty mentor and write and defend an MS thesis. Students in the Biology MS non-thesis track take additional elective coursework and complete a portfolio of project-based assignments in lieu of conducting original research.
Biology MS Curriculum | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Thesis-track | Non-thesis track | ||
Graduate Colloquium | 8 credits | Graduate Colloquium | 6 credits |
Electives | 12 credits | Electives | 18 credits |
Research Methods | 1 credit | 6000-level Biology | 6 credits |
Research | 9 credits | ||
Total Credit Hours | 30 credits | 30 credits | |
Career Opportunities
With the master’s in Biology you might be ready to apply to a doctoral program and/or advance your career in areas of the life sciences, healthcare, scientific research, education, and natural resource management. For example, our alumni has landed on the following positions:
- Adjunct Professor
- Assistant Director for Research
- Biologist
- Environmental Scientist
- Park Manager
- Research Associate
- Research Technician
- Wildlife Biologist
Courses & Curriculum
- Graduate Colloquium and Scientific Skills
- Research Methods in Biology
- Research
- Electives, such as: Immunology, Evolutionary Biology, Genomics, etc.
Next Steps
Apply Now
Our application process is smooth and easy. You can apply now and pay your fee later or even get it waived, if you qualify. Current or former UNI students will also have their app fee waived.
You are not required to have a formal agreement with a research supervisor before applying, but please familiarize yourself with our faculty and identify faculty members you would be interested in working with in your application statement.
All applications received will be considered for admission to the non-thesis track. Applicants who demonstrate high-levels of academic achievement and/or possess research interests and skills closely aligned with a faculty member’s research may be invited to pursue the thesis track degree.
Requirements for Admission
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Applicant statement
- One letter of recommendation
- 2.75 is the minimum GPA to be accepted without provision; applicants with a GPA lower than 2.75 may still be admitted provisionally
- Application fee (this can be waived or deferred, see if you qualify).
Applications are considered for both Fall and Spring admission, but applications should be submitted by February 1 for full financial aid consideration for the upcoming academic year.
Please consult our FAQ about the application process.
Requirements for International Applicants
Along with the basic application requirements, international applicants also need:
- Proof of English proficiency
- A copy of the personal data page of your passport
- A completed UNI Financial Statement and Certification form
- Non-refundable application fee.
Gretchen's impactful experience
UNI biology master’s student, drives on to her next destination in a 7,200 mile mission across Iowa’s farmland as part of a federally funded conservation research program
Tilahun Abebe, Ph.D.
Dr. Abebe's research focuses on the response of the reproductive structures of cereals to drought stress and Enhancing resistance of barley to Fusarium head blight (FHB) or scab disease through genetic engineering.
Fund Your Degree
Interested in applying for a graduate assistant position or for Financial Aid? Our department offers a graduate teaching assistant paid position where you'll be able to help with a class taught in the Department of Biology. Visit one of the following pages to learn about graduate assistantships, scholarships or additional details on Biology at University of Northern Iowa.