Biology (MS) – STEM Designated Degree Program
The Biology Department strives to foster the ability to critically examine information and discover new knowledge through rigorous scientific reasoning in budding life scientists. The graduate programs in the biology department are designed for students preparing for a career in biological fields requiring advanced training or for the teaching professional. Hands-on research training is a cornerstone of our programs and courses. The research and coursework you’re given will emphasize the integrative nature of biological studies.
Along with the Biology (MS) degree, the Biology department also offers the following options for graduate study: Biology (Combined BS/MAT), Molecular Biology, Biology with a concentration in Ecology and Evolution, Biology with a concentration in Physiology, Biology with a concentration in Pedagogy, and a certificate in Molecular Biology.
Please refer to our programs of study page for a comprehensive list of all of the graduate programs offered within the university.
Prior to matriculation for the Master of Science degree in biology, the student should have completed a subject matter of at least twenty-four semester hours in biology and have adequate preparation in college chemistry, mathematics and physics.
The Office of Graduate Admissions requires the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible to apply for a graduate program. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the U.S. degree equivalency information.
In order to make applying for graduate school as seamless as possible for you, we have
created an application checklist. This checklist can be a reference point for you during the
application process to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the steps
needed to apply, as well as all corresponding supplemental materials for your specific
program of interest.
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admission.
- Submit Online Application: Please create your online account and submit your application by following the general application instructions and pay (or waive) the non-refundable $60 application fee. Once this step has been completed, the online portal will allow you to upload your supplemental materials.
The following is a list of the supplemental materials that will accompany your application for the Biology (MS) program:
- Transcript: One from each college attended.
- Essays/Personal Statement – Please write one integrated essay providing a response to each of the following questions:
- What are your goals for graduate study and your future career?
- In what ways do your academic background and your professional experiences provide evidence of your potential for success in the program you selected and in your eventual career? Please give specific examples of relevant coursework and/or experience.
- Is there any further information we should consider in assessing your candidacy?
- Letters of Recommendation: Two (2)
- Standardized Test Scores: GRE is optional.
- Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the US degree equivalency information.
Students will complete 32 semester hours of coursework. The Biology and Molecular Biology Department offers thesis and non-thesis students opportunity for graduate research under faculty supervision in selected areas of biology. Original research should not exceed eight credits for thesis students and five credits for non-thesis students. Students must complete a minimum of 26 credits in biology, nine credits of required courses, a minimum of five credits of research and a maximum of 18 credits of electives. A total of 32 credits is required to complete the program.
For more information, please visit the Biology (MS) program listing in the University Catalog.
If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please email or call us:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Email: graduate@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-5147
Fax: 973-655-7869
If you have specific inquiries regarding your program of interest, please contact the Biology (MS) Program Coordinator:
*During the summer months, there will be a rotating department chair available to answer your inquiry. Find the updated summer chair for this program.*
Program Coordinator: Dr. Paul Bologna
Location: Science Hall 112
Email: bolognap@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973‑655‑4112