Biology

At the University of Dayton, we offer two program tracks for the Master of Science in Biology: non-thesis and thesis.

Non-Thesis M.S.

The Department of Biology offers the opportunity to complete a non-thesis option for the Master of Science degree with one-year of advanced courses. This course-based and accelerated approach to our Masters degree is ideal for:

• students looking for a gap-year opportunity prior to applying for a health professional program such as medical school.
• current UD undergraduate students interested in the Bachelor's Plus Master's Program at UD.
• working professionals with a related bachelor's degree looking to enhance their skills.

The non-thesis option requires a minimum of 30 course credits including a faculty-mentored capstone project. For students electing the non-thesis option, an oral examination is held over the subject matter of the research paper.

Thesis-Based M.S.

The two-year, thesis-based M.S. degree is structured in nature and is designed to either prepare you for a research career in government, industry or academics — or to continue toward the Ph.D. degree.

The graduate faculty in biology offer thesis mentoring in a variety of areas of expertise including molecular biology, bioinformatics, immunology, genetics, cell biology, cancer biology, cell and tissue engineering, conservation, developmental biology, entomology, ecosystem ecology, evolutionary biology, forest ecology, herpetology, global change biology, machine learning, microbiology, neuroscience and wildlife ecology.

Our program emphasizes scientific knowledge and theory partnered with hands-on experience in the laboratory and in the field. As a student in biology at UD, you'll enjoy individualized attention from our faculty and be encouraged to participate in undergraduate research projects.

The thesis option requires 24 course credits and 6 thesis credits. The examination on the M.S. thesis will consist of a formal oral examination on the subject matter of the thesis.

Need Help Deciding?

Contact our office at biologyoffice@udayton.edu if you have questions about these options.

With non-thesis and thesis options, our individualized programs are prepared to meet your academic needs and career plans.

All those working toward the master's degree must complete the program within five years after admission to the program.

Additional Information

Visit the Catalog to view additional details about the biology master's program, including degree requirements and course descriptions.

Applicants to the biology program should submit the information as appropriate for the non-thesis or thesis option in addition to the online application.

GRE scores are not required.

Non-Thesis Option

For the non-thesis option, the student must complete the application and submit the following:

1. Official academic records of all previously attended colleges or universities must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities to the Office of Graduate Admission Processing. Hand-carried transcripts, official copies marked Issued to Student and unofficial copies are not acceptable.

Thesis Option

For the thesis option, prior to beginning the application, the applicant must identify a biology graduate faculty mentor and contact them to gain their support. Additionally they must submit the following:

1. Official academic records of all previously attended colleges or universities must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities to the Office of Graduate Admission Processing. Hand-carried transcripts, official copies marked Issued to Student and unofficial copies are not acceptable.
2. Three letters of recommendation. Two of these are from former or current professors or employers and one must be from a University of Dayton, Department of Biology faculty mentor. For the course-based program this will most often be the Graduate Program Director. For the Thesis-based program, this will be from the future mentor in the program who will communicate their support for your application.
3. A resume or curriculum vitae.
4. A personal statement addressing previous experience, specific areas of interest, professional goals and objectives after earning a graduate degree.

Additional requirements apply for international students. The Department of Biology requires a minimum TOEFL score of 95.

Academic Requirements

All applicants to our program should have a bachelor's degree in biology or a substantially equivalent degree with coursework indicating substantive training in the biological sciences. We prefer students to have coursework including:

• Two years of chemistry, including organic
• One year of math, including calculus
• One semester of physics
• One semester of genetics

While there are no specific coursework requirements for admission, the admission committee, in consultation with student's graduate adviser, and the Chair of the Department of Biology may recommend additional training to be completed as a condition of admission.

Applicants should have earned a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average based on a 4.0 scale.

Additional Information

Deadlines for admission and graduate assistantship consideration: April 30 for admission to the subsequent fall semester and Sept. 30 for admission to subsequent spring semester. Students are admitted to the biology program during the fall or spring term and must be full-time students. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available at the master's degree level.

• Physician Assistant Practice (M.P.A.P.)
• Biology (Ph.D.)
• Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (Graduate Certificate)
• Sustainability (Graduate Certificate)

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success.

Financial aid may be available for degree-seeking graduate students, file the FAFSA to be considered. Once you have applied and been accepted to a graduate program, we will prepare your applicable aid for the upcoming year.