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Master in Biology Programs

Prepare for a Rewarding Science Career

A master’s degree in Biology can represent an important step toward a career in a science-related field. John Carroll University’s Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Science (M.S.) programs in Biology offer opportunities to complete an advanced degree through contextual coursework, gain hands-on experience, and acquire essential research and quantitative skills as well as data analysis techniques.

The Next Step on a Variety of Career Paths

A JCU Master’s degree in Biology will prepare you for what’s next, whether you aspire to enter a biology-related field, attend medical school, or pursue a Ph.D. upon graduation.

Two Degree Options to Target Your Specific Goals

The M.A. in Biology program is ideal for those preparing for a position in education or other graduate or professional programs, such as medical or dental school. The M.S. in Biology program, which requires the completion of an in-depth research thesis, prepares students for a variety of field-relevant careers, such as educators, environmental consultants, and governmental biologists, as well as doctoral studies in a variety of biological disciplines.

Opportunities to Defray Tuition Costs

Students accepted into the M.S. in Biology program have the opportunity to cover their JCU tuition by working as Graduate Teaching Assistants.

Learn from Experts in the Field

JCU Biology faculty include published experts with a wide range of specializations with strong local and global ties. Faculty work with colleagues throughout the U.S. and internationally, including Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Czech Republic, Spain, and numerous other countries.

  • Successful completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
  • This program has no set submission deadline. Applications are considered on a rolling basis upon completion. Admission decisions will be made based on space in the program.
  • No GRE Required
  • Free Application
  • Official Transcript(s)
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • No GRE Required

How John Carroll University Elevates Your Career

Located in Cleveland, John Carroll University is a private, Jesuit Catholic university that welcomes students of all backgrounds.

JCU offers collaborations with numerous renowned biology-focused institutions including the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Holden Arboretum, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and many of the nation’s top healthcare systems.

Students enrolled in the M.S. in Biology program work closely with a faculty advisor to complete a personalized independent research project and thesis. They also gain teaching experience as a Graduate Teaching Assistant.

Start Your Biology Career at JCU

JCU’s Master’s degree programs in Biology are delivered in-person and include the following specific requirements:

M.A. in Biology Program

  • Requires 30 graduate-level credit hours.
  • Degree requirements include coursework and passing a comprehensive exam.
  • Students may petition to take up to 8 credit hours of biology-related courses from other JCU departments.

View Program Courses »

M.S. in Biology Program

  • Requires 30 graduate-level credit hours, including the Biology Seminar.
  • Degree requirements include coursework, preparing a research thesis proposal (1 credit), passing a comprehensive exam, and completing a research thesis (5 credits).
  • Students may petition to take up to 8 credit hours of biology-related courses from other JCU departments.

View Program Courses »

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  • Medical School
  • Ph.D. Program
  • Post-Secondary Education
  • Secondary Education
  • Research Coordinator
  • Field Biologist
  • Healthcare
  • Pharmacist
  • Zoology
Emily-Staufer-Villanueva

Emily Staufer (currently Villanueva), ’22

Assistant Editor of Life Sciences, Merriam Webster

"The faculty at John Carroll constantly encouraged me to pursue my own research interests within the greater context and framework of their courses in a way that made my coursework feel personal. By sharing their academic passions, my professors in turn made me feel passionate about my own work. And by sharing all aspects of the scientific process- from reading journal articles to data collection to collaborative article writing and editing- I was shown the many ways one can be involved in the research and science community, which opened the door for me in my current career.”