Biology MS

This program is designed to be taken on a full-time basis. If you are interested in completing a part-time master’s in biology, the Department of Biology recommends that you consider the Biology MA program. Your courses are offered primarily on campus, with some online and independent study. Biology labs and practicums are only available on our campus located in Philadelphia.

The Department of Biology features extensive biology coursework for graduate students in areas such as:

• Advanced Cell Biology
• Immunology
• Biochemistry
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• Microbiology
• Neurobiology
• Physiology
• Histopathology
• Comparative Anatomy
• Animal Behavior
• Bioinformatics

Conduct research alongside expert faculty members in Saint Joseph’s state-of-the-art labs. The Department of Biology is housed in the Science Center, which is well-equipped for research and includes major equipment, such as:

• Transmission
• Scanning and confocal microscopes
• Tissue culture facilities
• Extensive vivarium & sophisticated plant growth chambers
• Rooftop greenhouse 
• Experimental green roof

Saint Joseph’s University’s graduate biology program offers the opportunity to develop relationships with faculty, staff and mentors and participate in research design and execution. A small class size will allow you to have open discussions, reflections and collaborations with faculty and peers.

If you are interested in learning more about cell and molecular biology or ecology and evolution, you will have the opportunity to take courses in one of those concentrations.

• Cell and Molecular Biology: You will learn how to map genomes, manipulate cells and develop biotech that can save lives and safeguard our planet. 
• Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior: Coursework will focus on environmental science and microbiology, animal behavior, plant ecology and zoology.

Undergraduate students enrolled at Saint Joseph’s University with majors in biology or environmental science may be able to complete a combined five-year BS/MA or BS/MS degree. If you are interested in this 4+1 degree program, contact your advisor early in your undergraduate academic career.

View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

Affordable tuition options start at $936 per credit.*

*Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition & Fees page or contact us for more information.

Financial aid may be available to you to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our Financial Aid page.

Discount Eligibility
 

Alumni of Saint Joseph's are eligible to receive 10% off the cost of this program through our alumni discount.

Have you completed a year or more of service with a recognized service organization? You may be eligible for our mission discount.

Check with your employer to see if they are an Edcor or a Bright Horizons EdAssist member, which may entitle you to a discount on graduate programs. 

Note: discounts cannot be combined.

Master’s Teaching Assistantships (MTAs) are competitive and offered on a limited basis. Teaching assistants help undergraduate laboratory instructors in their courses as in-lab TAs and prep TAs. Teaching assistants receive a stipend for working approximately 15 hours per week, in addition to a tuition scholarship covering up to 6 credit hours per semester. There is no application for the MTA. Students admitted into the MS and MA programs will be automatically considered for the assistantship.

MS students interested in biomedical research may apply for the SJU-LIMR Fellowship. This fellowship provides students pursuing a MS in Biology the opportunity to conduct biomedical research for their thesis under the guidance of a research advisor from Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR). SJU-LIMR fellows will receive $1,000 in tuition scholarship and a maximum of $14,000 in stipend per year. Prospective students should apply via the online application portal for the MS program.

The MTA and SJU-LIMR Fellowship are available for international students. Please contact the program director for more information.

SJU is a Yellow Ribbon School that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans’ Services can help you access and understand your benefits.

To be considered for admission you must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and have earned an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

• Apply online.
• Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended.
• Submit a personal statement (include research interests and professional long term goals).
• Submit resume.
• Submit two letters of recommendation (preferably, include at least one from a former university science instructor).

Visit our Graduate Admission Information page to learn more about admission requirements, key deadlines, additional requirements for international students and how to submit your application.

Applications to the Biology graduate programs are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Deadlines for Fall:
Domestic students: Rolling basis
International students: June 15
Priority review deadline for funding consideration for ALL students: April 15

Deadlines for Spring:
Domestic students: Rolling basis
International students: October 15

Priority review deadline for funding consideration for ALL students: October 15

If you’re applying as an international student, you must provide proof of English Language Proficiency and Certification of Finances along with your application. This program qualifies international students for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Check the graduate admission page for additional requirements.