Program Overview

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Master of Science in Biology

The Master of Science in Biology at the University of Dayton is offered through either a research-focused thesis option or a course-based non-thesis option. These programs are tailored to individual interests and career plans through conversations with faculty mentors and are supported by a state-of-the-art curriculum.

Program Overview

The University of Dayton offers two program tracks for the Master of Science in Biology: non-thesis and thesis.

Non-Thesis M.S.

The non-thesis option is a course-based, accelerated approach to the Master's degree, ideal for:

• Students looking for a gap-year opportunity prior to applying for a health professional program.
• Current UD undergraduate students interested in the Bachelor's Plus Master's Program.
• Working professionals with a related bachelor's degree looking to enhance their skills. This option requires a minimum of 30 course credits, including a faculty-mentored capstone project, and an oral examination over the subject matter of the research paper.

Thesis-Based M.S.

The two-year, thesis-based M.S. degree is structured to prepare students for a research career in government, industry, or academics, or to continue toward the Ph.D. degree. The graduate faculty in biology offer thesis mentoring in various areas of expertise, including molecular biology, bioinformatics, immunology, genetics, cell biology, and more. The thesis option requires 24 course credits and 6 thesis credits, with a formal oral examination on the subject matter of the thesis.

Degree Information and Courses

All those working toward the master's degree must complete the program within five years after admission. The program is designed to meet individual academic needs and career plans.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should submit the appropriate information for the non-thesis or thesis option, in addition to the online application. GRE scores are not required.

Non-Thesis Option

For the non-thesis option, students must:

1. Submit official academic records from all previously attended colleges or universities.

Thesis Option

For the thesis option, applicants must:

1. Identify a biology graduate faculty mentor and gain their support prior to beginning the application.
2. Submit official academic records from all previously attended colleges or universities.
3. Provide three letters of recommendation, including one from a University of Dayton, Department of Biology faculty mentor.
4. Submit a resume or curriculum vitae.
5. Write a personal statement addressing previous experience, specific areas of interest, professional goals, and objectives after earning a graduate degree.

Academic Requirements

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in biology or a substantially equivalent degree with coursework indicating substantive training in the biological sciences. Preferred coursework includes:

• Two years of chemistry, including organic
• One year of math, including calculus
• One semester of physics
• One semester of genetics Applicants should have earned a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average based on a 4.0 scale.

Related Degrees and Programs

Related degrees and programs include:

• Physician Assistant Practice (M.P.A.P.)
• Biology (Ph.D.)
• Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (Graduate Certificate)
• Sustainability (Graduate Certificate)

Tuition and Financial Aid

Financial aid may be available for degree-seeking graduate students. Students should file the FAFSA to be considered for aid.

Research Opportunities

At the University of Dayton, research is focused on developing solutions to help others. Students collaborate with renowned faculty and researchers to pave the way to a better world. Research areas include various fields within biology, such as molecular biology, bioinformatics, and more.