The two-year, 30-credit-hour program is completely personalized via one-on-one sessions with an academic advisor to define a course sequence that meets the needs and objectives of the student. The M.A. degree does not include thesis research.
M.A. in Biology
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Biology
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Biology is designed for students looking to deepen their knowledge of science and expand their critical thinking skills. The highly regarded JCU biology graduate program is ideal to prepare for positions in education or to prepare for the rigors of other graduate and professional (pre-med) programs, such as medical and dental school. Located near Cleveland, Ohio – the heart of the nation’s top healthcare systems, as well as a variety of other renowned biology-focused institutions, such as the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Holden Arboretum, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo —JCU offers strong collaborations with local employers to facilitate research and employment opportunities.
Master of Arts Biology Program Highlights
Top 10
JCU has been listed in U.S. News & World Report magazine’s top 10 rankings of Midwest regional universities for 30 consecutive years and consistently receives high rankings for master’s programs.
Why choose JCU for a Graduate Degree in Biology?
At JCU, we train our students to become excellent scientists. They will gain the tools to evaluate and communicate biological phenomena—a necessity no matter what the desired next step or career path.
At John Carroll, our smaller class sizes allow students to receive personalized guidance, structure and support from faculty—all who actively publish in peer-reviewed journals and are known nationally in their subdisciplines.
Despite the small size, the Department of Biology offers a breadth of unique and notable courses of study and expertise.
For students interested in careers in health professions, JCU courses such as Immunology, Medical Microbiology, Endocrinology, Molecular Genetics, and Molecular Cell Biology each help students develop a deep understanding of cellular and molecular processes related to health.
Our hands-on lab courses, such as Experimental Design and Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, and field courses such as Aquatic Resources, Advanced Ecology, and Plant Ecology, focus on transferable skills to support students in their research and future careers in consulting, public health, natural resource or lab positions.
Finally, the department offers a strong, organismal focus in areas such as Animal Behavior, Conservation Biology, Plant Biology, Systematics, and Tropical Biology. In fact, many students have been employed in local environmental consulting companies due to the methods and taxonomic expertise they’ve received from John Carroll.
Located near Cleveland, Ohio—the heart of the nation’s top healthcare systems, as well as a variety of other renowned institutions, such as the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Holden Arboretum, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo—JCU offers strong collaborations with local employers to facilitate research and employment opportunities. Our students place well both in regional employment and Ph.D. programs nationally.
Our Team and Resources
The Biology Program includes a team of highly regarded and well-published experts with a wide range of interest areas and reputations that extend well beyond Ohio. The JCU faculty boast Fulbright award winners and have strong global research ties, working with colleagues in multiple countries, including, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, and numerous other countries throughout Europe.
Courses
The 30-credit-hour program is completely personalized via one-on-one sessions with an academic advisor to define a course sequence that meets the needs and objectives of the student.
For a complete listing of courses and descriptions, visit the JCU Graduate Studies Course Bulletin.