Online Master of Science in Biology
Deepen your knowledge about the life sciences with a Master of Science in biology. Encompassing the study of all life, biology has broad applications from addressing public health challenges to climate change. An online master’s in biology can lead you to careers across industries that benefit from biological expertise.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/22/2024
Total classes: 12
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 30
Degree questions, answered.
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Why earn a master’s degree in biology?
An advanced understanding of biological concepts can add dimension to your roles in classrooms, laboratories and other career settings. In the online master’s in biology, you’ll build upon your foundational knowledge and refine your interests in the life sciences. Explore your biological passion areas in molecular biology, genomics, biotechnology and more.
Additionally, because biology is interdisciplinary by nature, you can also explore the intersection of your interest areas. For example, you can study biology as a consideration of computational sciences, conservation issues and medicine.
What skills will I learn in the online master’s in biology?
The master’s degree in biology allows you to strengthen your knowledge of biological concepts, while learning how to communicate this information to others. Having both skill sets can expand your opportunities in an ever-changing job market. You’ll develop a variety of skills, including:
- Analyzing data and statistics.
- Communicating biological concepts.
- Interpreting and presenting scientific results.
- Writing for science careers.
What can I do with a master’s degree in biology?
An online master’s in biology is versatile, as nearly every industry considers the needs of living beings. Advanced biological knowledge can lead to job opportunities in postsecondary teaching, science writing, pharmaceuticals and more. The master’s degree in biology may also act as a stepping stone to a professional health career, such as a physician assistant, pharmacist, doctor of physical therapy or occupational therapist.
Will my online master’s in biology say 'online'?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.
Online master’s in biology courses
In the master’s degree in biology, you can customize your study plan based on your interest area. This means that a majority of your courses are electives, with topics ranging from biotechnology and conservation to computational biology and genomics. You’ll also complete a capstone course during your final semester, in which you’ll apply what you’ve learned to your chosen topic. Courses include:
Current Topics in the Life Sciences
Responsible Conduct in Research
SOLS Seminar Series
Advanced Evolutionary Medicine
Bacterial Diversity and Systematics
Computing for Research
Data Analysis and Visualization in R
Evolutionary Medicine and Global Health
What jobs can I get with a master’s degree in biology?
With an expanded understanding of the life sciences, you’ll graduate prepared for a breadth of roles across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. You can also continue on to further graduate studies, such as professional health programs. Careers you may pursue include, but are not limited to:
Agricultural scientist
Community college instructor
Conservation scientist
Elementary school science teacher
Government lab researcher
Healthcare scientist
High school science teacher
Nonprofit researcher
Research technician
Learn from scientists at the forefront of their fields
From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
Learn from scientists at the forefront of their fields
From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
Online master’s in biology admission requirements
Applicants to the Master of Science in biology program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
The largest and most diverse college at ASU
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to be socially aware, critical thinkers and global citizens.
25,500+
currently enrolled students.
$140
million in research expenditures in 2018.
23
interdisciplinary schools and departments.
95+
undergraduate degrees.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
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