Skip to Main Content
The Graduate School

Biology (M.A., M.S.)

The program seeks to provide graduate students with high quality advanced training in the biological sciences. The Biology Masters programs will train graduate students in current biological theories and techniques while encouraging them to discover and create original scientific knowledge that is relevant to the current job market and also capable of addressing future biological challenges.

Get Your Degree Now!

Graduates of the program will fill diverse needs requiring advanced biological skills. Apply today and get ready to contribute to industry growth in biotechnology, environmental biology, and improvement in primary and secondary education.

Apply Now!

student testing a cell-culture in a petri dish
student testing a cell-culture in a petri dish

Program Overview

Master of Art in Biology

The Master of Art (MA) in Biology program is a non-thesis track that is designed primarily to provide K-12 science teachers or people already employed in local environmental agencies with advanced course work in biology. 

Master of Science in Biology

The Master of Science (MS) in Biology program is a thesis-based degree centered on original student research. The biological sciences are progressing rapidly; and by interacting with researchers in the classroom, field and laboratory, graduate students will better understand the principal values of science and the ethical requirements of scientific pursuits.

Master of Science Concentrations

  • Ecology/Environmental Biology
  • Microbiology/Molecular Biology
  • Coastal and Marine Biology

Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences

The non-thesis MS track in biomedical sciences is designed for people interested in becoming laboratory technicians that work in biomedical and biotechnology fields. Students in the program will take specialized coursework in this area and will conduct research with a research advisor.

Program Contact

Dr. Matthew Gilg

Graduate Program Director
College of Arts and Sciences

Program At-a-Glance

Delivery: Standard (in-person)

Credit hours: 36 (all options)

Graduate Cost Calculator
osprey bird logo

Application Deadlines

Deadlines may vary for specific programs and are subject to change.

  • Fall: March 1
  • Spring: November 15

Additional Deadlines

Additional Deadlines

Fall: July 1 - Master of Art (M.A.)

Graduate Cost Calculator

Use this calculator to estimate the cost of tuition and fees for a graduate program.

This is only an estimation. Additional fees may apply.


Directions

  1. Select the appropriate rate and residency classification. Please note:
    • The exclusive tuition rate is only available to eligible students.
    • Residency classification is not guaranteed. Supporting documentation is requested after students are admitted from applicants who indicated they would like to apply for Florida residency for tuition purposes on their admissions application.
  2. Type the number of credit hours you would like to calculate. Most graduate courses are 3 credit hours. The total number of program credits is listed above under Program At-a-Glance.
Return to Top

Admissions Requirements

The below Program Requirements, University Requirements, and International Applicant Requirements*, if applicable, must be submitted no later than the deadline posted above. Incomplete applications or those with required materials post-marked after the deadline are subject to cancellation. Once an application has been canceled, the decision cannot be reversed.

*International students must be fully admitted to a full-time, on-campus, in-person, degree-seeking program at the University of North Florida. Please contact the International Center for more information.

  • University Requirements

    University Requirements

    Application and Application Fee

    Prospective students are required to use our online system to create an account and submit an application. The application opens approximately one year in advance and is only good for the term and program in which it is submitted. Applicants who have submitted their application and wish to change their admission term or major/concentration may submit a new application and associated application fee. If you would like to cancel an open application, please contact us.

    A $30 (USD) application fee is required regardless of previous enrollment. The application fee is non-refundable and cannot be waived. Undergraduate application fees cannot be used for a graduate application, and vise versa. The application fee must be submitted prior to the review of an application.

    Current students who would like to add or change a major, concentration or certificate should submit the Change of Concentration or Major form.

    College Transcripts

    All applicants must provide transcripts from a U.S. institution accredited by an accepted institutional accreditor or its equivalent from a non-US institution that awarded the bachelor’s degree and master’s degree, if applicable, and transcripts from institutions where any post-baccalaureate and/or graduate credits were earned.

    All admits must provide official transcripts.

    All international transcripts will require a course-by-course evaluation by an approved third-party credential evaluation agency unless a graduate program has established an alternative credential evaluation procedure that is approved by the graduate school. To be accepted, the evaluation must be:

    1. Translated to English and be the U.S. equivalent
    2. Evaluated course-by-course
    3. Include the overall academic GPA
    4. Be from an approved third-party accredited evaluation service. Recommended evaluation agencies: 

    Important Notes

    • The UNF Graduate School cannot request transcripts on an applicants behalf.
    • Unofficial transcript copies are accepted for admissions but must clearly state the institution name, student name, course information, terms, grades, and credits. Degree audits are not accepted. Admitted students will be prompted to provide official transcripts. 
    • If currently enrolled in courses, an incomplete transcript must be submitted before the posted deadline. 
    • Applicants who also have to apply through systems such as ATCAS or PTCAS, must submit separate transcripts to UNF. 
    • Official transcripts must:
      • Must be less than one year old from the date of printing
      • Must be submitted in a sealed envelope from your institution, or emailed through official electronic means.
    • When requesting college transcripts, please verify with your institution(s) whether or not they are able to submit electronic transcripts in the proper EDI format. Institutions can submit transcripts via e-mail to graduateschool@unf.edu from an approved vendor such as ScriptSafe, Credentials, or Parchment. 
    • Former or current UNF students should not request UNF transcripts. After application submission, the UNF requirement will be updated to a "waived" status.

    Where Do I Send Transcripts and Test Scores?

    Mail

    UNF Graduate School
    1 UNF Drive
    Jacksonville, FL 32224

    Email

    graduateschool@unf.edu

    Test Score Institutional Codes

    GRE: institutional code 5490
    GMAT: institutional code CF3QB51

  • Program Specific Requirements

    Program Requirements

    Master of Art (MA) Specific Requirements

    • Letter of intent 
      • Describe educational and professional goals
    • Three letters of recommendation 
      • Must be from faculty  members, or professional references, familiar with applicants academic or research potential
    • 3.0 GPA in biology or related major for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework

    Master of Art (MA) Program Prerequisites

    Applicants must hold the BA or BS in Biology, Science Education, or equivalent degree from a nationally (or internationally) accredited university or institution.

    Master of Science (MS) Specific Requirements

    • Letter of intent
      • Describe educational and professional goals
      • Indicate provisional acceptance into an eligible faculty mentor's lab
      • Indicate consideration for a departmental GTA position
    • Three letters of recommendation 
      • Must be from faculty members, or professional references, familiar with applicants academic or research potential
    • 3.0 GPA in biology or related major for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
    • Identification of research advisor and confirmation of provisional acceptance into that advisor’s lab
  • International Applicant Requirements