Program Overview

Biology (MS)

Program Summary

The Biology (MS) program is a 100% online degree that requires 30 total credits. The degree is offered by the College of Science, with a start date of 1/20/2026.

Program Description

This program provides advanced training for college graduates or professionals seeking careers in biomedical research, biotechnology, neuroscience, or biodefense, as well as evolutionary and animal biology, animal biology, and biology teaching. Master's level concentrations are available in:

• Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
• Molecular Biology
• Neuroscience
• Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Translational and Clinical Research Alternatively, students may choose the program in general biological sciences, which allows flexibility to build a study program tailored to a specific research or career interest. Students can choose to complete either a thesis or a project.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates of this program include:

• Laboratory scientist
• Laboratory test specialist
• Field researcher
• Medical writer

Courses

Program requirements are subject to change; please refer to the George Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.

Details

Who should apply?

Students who are interested in a career in modern biology and biotechnology, clinical research, human genetics, and molecular evolution (Thesis track), or future applicants to medical and dental schools (Project track).

Why choose George Mason?

Mason's School of Systems Biology is a home for state-of-the-art clinical and basic research laboratories working in interdisciplinary fields encompassing both wet-lab biology and bioinformatics. Online students will be introduced to opportunities for doing their Project/Thesis work remotely.