Graduate Programs
Announcements
- Dissertation Defense: Adal Abebe, PhD Candidate "Biochemistry of 1,2-Dehydro-N-Acetyldopamine Derivatives" Thursday, April 11 @ 11:00am; McCormack Conference Room, M-1-318
APPLY ONLINE
MS Programs
Master of Science in Biology
Master of Science in Biotechnology
Biotechnology Certificate Program
PhD Programs
Two Tracks:
Environmental Biology
Molecular, Cellular and Organismal Biology (MCOB)
Inter-campus PhD Programs
Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology (BMEBT)
Marine Sciences and Technology
INFORMATION FOR CURRENT STUDENTS
Biology Handbook for MS Students
Biology Handbook for PhD Students
Graduate Student Funding Opportunities
Graduate Student Writing Center
The Graduate Writing Center (GWC) offers one-to-one tutoring to students who are in the process of completing graduate coursework at UMass Boston, and who are willing to meet with a tutor over the course of several weeks. Students may apply for GWC tutoring in-person at Academic Support Programs (CC-1-1300) Monday-Thursday 8:30-6:00, and Friday 9:00-5:00.
BIOLOGY GRADUATE TRACKING FORMS
INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Fall admission - To be considered fully for all available funding, applications should be received by January 2nd. This is a target date. We begin reviewing applications at that time, but we will continue reviewing applications received after that date until our funding resources are exhausted.
Spring admission - To be considered fully for all available funding, applications should be received by November 1st. This is a target date. We begin reviewing applications at that time, but we will continue reviewing applications received after that date until our funding resources are exhausted.
Application Process
Complete application as required by Graduate Admissions (see Graduate Bulletin)
The University requires a detailed statement of interests and intent. As described in the Graduate Bulletin, you must include a two-part essay. In the first part, include your reasons for wishing to pursue graduate studies.
In the second part, the Biology Department requires a detailed description of your specific interests, and the area of research you wish to pursue. It is helpful if you identify members of the faculty whose research interests are similar to your own. Please feel free to contact individual members of our programs to discuss your interests, but be selective.
In addition, international students must meet other requirements as required by the University.
DECISION PROCESS
Your application arrives in the Department from the University's Graduate Admissions Office.
When complete (letter of intent, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and transcripts), the application will be reviewed by the Biology Graduate Program Director.
The application is then forwarded to possible mentors/advisors in the department for review.
All applications are then reviewed by Graduate Committee for decisions on possible acceptance.
Acceptance/Rejection notification is sent out.
Acknowledgement of acceptance by the student must be sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions in order to retain a position in the program.
FAQ's
What kind of background do I need to be competitive for the various programs?
We seek students with strong academic backgrounds, generally considered to be a GPA of 3.0 or better in a field of biological science. The University requires a 4-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent and our program seeks students with degrees in biology or related fields with courses in general biology, cell biology, genetics, chemistry, and appropriate levels of math is certainly very reasonable. We also accept students with unusual backgrounds strongly emphasizing quantitative fields, computer sciences, informatics, and other interdisciplinary areas that commonly interact with fields of biology these days.
If you have expertise in other areas or you are interested in changing fields, you can certainly take, as a non-matriculated student, some of the courses described above that are part of a standard biology degree (look at our Biology BS requirements for specific courses here at UMB that might give you this background). You would not necessarily need to obtain a second bachelor's degree, but should gain the appropriate background to prove that you are capable of handling graduate level work in biological sciences.
Is there a minimum GRE score required by the Department?
No. While we do not have a minimum acceptable GRE score, to be competitive in the applicant pool, a score of 500 in each area is a good starting point. A weak GRE does not automatically doom your application, especially if the remainder of your application is strong.
Which GRE test do I need?
You must take the General GREs. We do not require individual subject tests.
Is there a minimum TOEFL score?
Yes. See the graduate admissions page for details.
What are the institutional codes for GRE and TOEFL exams?
The Instituion Code for UMass Boston 3924. The program codes are not necessary.
Is there a minimum GPA?
Your undergraduate cumulative GPA must be at least 2.75. This is a University requirement, although exceptions can be made in some cases.
Can I be accepted without stipend support?
Yes.
Are there any fees associated with being Graduate Student at UMass?
A full assistantship provides you with a stipend as well as tuition and Educational Operations Fee waivers, but there are some additional fees that you may need to pay, some on a one time basis. Please see the University fee table.
Can I take graduate courses if I'm not in the Graduate Program?
Yes. You can take any course as a non-matriculated student per University policy. You also will need permission of the instructor. See our course listings.
Can I transfer courses into the Biology Graduate Program if accepted?
Yes. You can transfer up to 6 graduate credits towards your degree in Biology.
Is there spring admissions for the graduate programs?
Yes. We have two admissions schedules. For September admissions we begin reviewing applications January 2nd. For January admissions we begin reviewing applications November 1st of the previous year. These are target dates and not deadlines. For both of these schedules, to be fully considered for all potential funding it is best to submit your applications by these dates. We do however continue to review and admit students well beyond these target dates.
