Research and teach the life sciences

The MA in Biological Sciences prepares you to communicate your knowledge of life and living systems to others. Graduates of the MA typically plan to pursue advanced education degrees or teaching positions. With a Biological Sciences MA, you will

• Learn to be an independent thinker and researcher
• Develop laboratory skills and methodologies
• Develop your own concentration in partnership with an advisor

Classes take place on the Lincoln Park Campus and are typically held in the daytime.

For international students: this is a STEM-designated program, which can qualify you to extend your post-graduation stay in the United States.

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Science is alive in the city

Besides being home to numerous world-renowned institutions such as the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is one of the most uniquely biodiverse ecosystems in the midwest. Study wildlife at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary or vegetation in Lincoln Park.

Application Deadlines

Completed applications are reviewed beginning February 12.

Admission Requirements

Submit an online application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

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Required Courses

You’ll take two years of coursework, including six core courses, and complete exams at the end of your first year. You’ll also complete a researched final project.

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100%

of Biological Sciences master’s degree graduates were employed, continuing their education or not seeking employment within six months of graduation.

 

85%

of full-time employed College of Science and Health graduates are in a job related to their degree.

Active researchers and engaged teachers

You’ll study with expert faculty like Associate Professor Jingjing Kipp. Professor Kipp’s research on the reproductive systems of female mice uses a broad spectrum of molecular, cellular, biochemical, genetic, morphological and physiological approaches to investigate hormone signaling and gene regulation in the ovary.

“The intimate cohort size and personalized education sets DePaul’s biology graduate program apart from others. Many programs at other institutions focus solely on publishing and research—not content knowledge and teaching. I’m a well-rounded scientist because DePaul’s biology program blends both the research elements and the pedagogy.”

Zach (MA ’13)

Senior Program Associate, GWTeach, George Washington University 

Alumni Network

Graduates of the MA in Biological Sciences are employed across industries, including many in education. Our alumni teach at both the secondary and postsecondary levels at institutions nationwide. You’ll also be connected to a college-wide alumni network of more than 20,600.

Scholarships

Graduate school is an investment in your future. Learn more about the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to you.

Biology Admission Requirements

Applying to the Biology (MA) Program

Completed applications will be reviewed beginning February 13.
To be eligible for the Master of Arts in Biological Sciences program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (preferably in biological sciences or an equivalent program) from a regionally accredited institution or be in the process of completing the bachelor's degree. Additionally, applicants should have the following:

• A minimum of two years of chemistry, including one year of organic chemistry
• One year of general physics
• One year of calculus
• A working knowledge of computers and of statistics
• Prerequisite course work completed by the end of the first year of graduate study

 

To apply, please submit the following:

• A completed online application
• Official transcripts from all previous college course work (minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) Unofficial transcripts can be submitted for the application review. Official transcripts will be required upon admission.?
• Three letters of recommendation from science professors, preferably biology
• A personal statement that explains your interest in the biological sciences graduate program at DePaul. The statement should specify your career goals and any specific area of interest.

Students educated outside the United States must present proof of English proficiency. The program requires a minimum TOEFL score of 96 on the TOEFL iBT or a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or a minimum Duolingo score of 125?.

For additional information for international students please visit our International Student Admission Process page.

Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements

Course Requirements

50 hours of graduate credit including:

Course	Title	Quarter Hours
BIO 402	INTRODUCTION TO GRADUATE STUDIES	2
BIO 403	DEVELOPMENT OF TOPICS FOR RESEARCH	4
BIO 494	COMMUNICATING SCIENCE	4
Select three courses from the Ecology, Evolution and Population Biology core area		12
Select three courses from the Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology core area		12
Select three courses from the Physiology and Neurobiology core area		12
BIO 496	RESEARCH (four credit hours required)	4

Core Areas of Study

Ecology, Evolution, and Population Biology

Course	Title	Quarter Hours
BIO 415	TOPICS IN ECOLOGY
BIO 417	AQUATIC BIOLOGY
BIO 419	TOPICS IN BEHAVIORAL PARASITOLOGY
BIO 421	MOLECULAR METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
BIO 432	POPULATION ECOLOGY
BIO 435	CONCEPTS IN EVOLUTION
BIO 445	TOPICS IN PALEOBIOLOGY
BIO 447	TOPICS IN MEDICAL BACTERIOLOGY
BIO 489	RESEARCH IN FIELD BIOLOGY

Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology

Course	Title	Quarter Hours
BIO 409	PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
BIO 421	MOLECULAR METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
BIO 425	CELLULAR EVENTS IN THE IMMUNE RESPONSE
BIO 430	DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
BIO 439	CELLULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
BIO 447	TOPICS IN MEDICAL BACTERIOLOGY
BIO 448	THE BIOLOGY OF INFECTION
BIO 449	TOPICS IN MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
BIO 455	GENETIC TOXICOLOGY
BIO 460	MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
BIO 461	TOPICS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
BIO 462	BIOINFORMATICS FOR BENCH SCIENTISTS
BIO 471	IMMUNOBIOLOGY
BIO 475	INTRODUCTION TO PHARMACOLOGY
BIO 480	CANCER BIOLOGY
BIO 481	TOPICS IN CANCER
BIO 486	INTRODUCTION TO ENDOCRINOLOGY

Physiology and Neurobiology

Course	Title	Quarter Hours
BIO 409	PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
BIO 412	TOPICS IN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
BIO 439	CELLULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
BIO 440	BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
BIO 441	TOPICS IN NEUROBIOLOGY
BIO 442	COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE
BIO 452	ADVANCED COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
BIO 465	PRINCIPLES OF TOXICOLOGY
BIO 475	INTRODUCTION TO PHARMACOLOGY
BIO 485	MAMMALIAN REPRODUCTION
BIO 486	INTRODUCTION TO ENDOCRINOLOGY
BIO 489	RESEARCH IN FIELD BIOLOGY

BIO 490, as appropriate, may also be approved in one of the three core areas.

BIO 406 can be taken as an elective.

Advancement to Candidacy

Based upon results of a qualifying examination taken near the end of the third quarter of the student's first full year of course work.

Final Project Requirement

Based upon an independent library research project under the supervision of a faculty member. Up to four credit hours of BIO 496 may be taken to complete the Final Project.