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biology master's degree students working on conservation biology
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Master's Degree in Biology

Master of Science (M.S.)

Conduct cutting-edge biology research and prepare for a dynamic career in academics, government, industry, and beyond.

UND's master's combines biological sciences with a focus on conservation biology, wildlife biology, molecular biology, and developmental biology. You’ll conduct biology research at a high level and master the technical skills you need.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
2-3 years
Credit hours:
30
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  • Tuition & Aid
  • How to Apply

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Why earn a master's degree in biology?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Feb 15*
Spring:
Sept 15* | Oct 15

*Priority deadline

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Solid expertise in the science of living things prepares you to tackle pressing global challenges in a changing world. With a master's degree in Biology, you'll have the experience to set you apart as a scholar, researcher and leader.

Biology Master's Programs Research

The Department of Biology offers graduate work in the areas of:

  • Botany
  • Cell Biology
  • Conservation Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Ecology
  • Entomology
  • Fisheries Biology and Management
  • Forensic Biology
  • Genetics and Genomics
  • Grassland Ecology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Neurobiology
  • Parasitology
  • Physiology
  • Systematics
  • Systems Biology
  • Wildlife Biology and Management

UND's Master's Degree in Biology

  • Our facilities and research areas include greenhouses, vertebrate and invertebrate museums, tissue culture facilities, and molecular biology labs.

  • You'll receive individualized mentoring from faculty who are engaged in both research and teaching.

  • UND is an excellent area for studying northern prairie and pothole regions. You'll have access to three field stations that include wetlands, prairies, riparian woodlands, streams and agricultural areas.

  • You'll learn in a collaborative environment that includes integrative approaches to biology, using tools that range from computational to molecular to GIS.

  • Join organizations such a the Wildlife Society and North American Vascular Biology Association (NAVBO).

  • Biology master's students have landed immersive internships with Accelerate to Industry (A2i) partners.

What can I do with a master's degree in biology?

90K

Median annual salary for postsecondary biology teachers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Be prepared for a dynamic biology career on the front lines of some of today's most urgent challenges. You could work on:

  • Conservation and wildlife management on human-dominated landscapes
  • Protection of endangered species
  • Organismal and ecological responses to climate and landscape change
  • Relating phenotypic responses to genetic mechanisms

Master's Degree in Biology Jobs

A Biology master's degree prepares you for a wide range of rewarding careers, including:

  • Academic teaching and research
  • Government research
  • Research and developmental opportunities in industry
  • Professional biology

Master's Degree in Biology Courses

BIOL 509. Scientific Writing. 2 Credits.

Writing is an essential part of the scientific enterprise. In this course, students will develop their scientific writing skill through readings and discussion on the nature of effective writing, and through critique of writing projects produced by each student. Course can be repeated up to 4 credits for different writing projects. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Repeatable to 4.00 credits. F.

BIOL 512. Advanced Evolutionary Analysis. 2 Credits.

This course will focus on methods that reconstruct evolutionary histories of populations, species and higher-level taxa. The course will also discuss the evolution of specialized traits using appropriate analyses. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. On demand.

BIOL 533. Grassland Ecology. 2 Credits.

Phytogeography, environmental influences, and community dynamics of grassland ecosystems with emphasis on herbage production, ecosystem modeling, and ecological characteristics of major grass species. Prerequisite: BIOL 332 or an equivalent approved by the department.

BIOL 599. Research. 1-15 Credits.

Intended for students conducting original research in consultation with staff. Repeatable. S/U grading.

BIOL 594. Advanced Topics in Genetics. 1-4 Credits.

Advanced topics in genetics. Examples include: Biochemical Genetics, Cytogenetics, and Human Medical and Population Genetics. Repeatable when topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate status or upper division status with consent of instructor. Repeatable. On demand.

BIOL 595. Advanced Topics in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation. 1-4 Credits.

Advanced topics in fisheries, wildlife or conservation biology. Examples include: Natural Resource Policy, Waterfowl Biology and Management, and Wetland and Prairie Ecology. Repeatable when topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate status or upper division status with consent of instructor. Repeatable. On demand.

UND Biology MS

Best Biology Master's Programs

UND's master's in biology is recognized as a top biological sciences program in the nation. Our program consistently ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes. 

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

Leaders in Biology

In our collaborative environment, you'll work closely with expert faculty on high-level research in state-of-the-art facilities and in the field.

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Explore More Options

Check out the biology faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional opportunities.

  • Department of Biology
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Department Contact
Robert Newman
Graduate Program Director
P 701.777.4290
robert.newman@UND.edu
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