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.S. degree requires a final research thesis.
M.S. in Biology
Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology graduate degree is designed for students seeking research experience to prepare for professional careers; or to continue with doctoral studies in a variety of biological disciplines. In addition to in-depth, contextual coursework, students will also gain hands-on experience to master essential research techniques, as well as effectively evaluate and communicate research results. Students work closely with faculty advisors to complete a personalized independent research experience culminating in a thesis.
Located near Cleveland, Ohio—home of a variety of renowned biology-focused institutions, such as the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Holden Arboretum, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, as well as the many of the nation’s top healthcare systems—JCU offers strong collaborations with local employers to facilitate research and employment opportunities.
Master of Science in Biology Program Highlights
#2
JCU has earned the #2 spot in the 2020 U.S. News & World Report magazine’s Best Colleges Rankings—and has been named within the top 10 of Midwest regional universities for 30 consecutive years.
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 create, analyze and implement research, as well as accurately evaluate and communicate biological phenomena—all necessities 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. The department faculty—all who actively publish in peer-reviewed journals and are known nationally in their subdisciplines—offer personal research mentoring and assist students with their own research publishing.
Despite the small size, the Department of Biology offers a breadth of unique and notable courses of study and expertise.
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.
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.
Finally, 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.
Located near Cleveland, Ohio—home of a variety of renowned institutions, such as the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Holden Arboretum, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, as well as many of the nation’s top healthcare systems, —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.
Our faculty are thoroughly invested and spend considerable time training and researching alongside Master of Science students, as the success of their research is tied directly to the successes of their students.
Courses
The 30-credit-hour program is designed with an academic advisor to define a course sequence that meets the needs, interests and objectives of the student.
For a complete listing of courses and descriptions, visit the JCU Graduate Studies Course Bulletin.