Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences

Evolve Your Career: Earn Your Master’s in Biology

Housed in our Biological Sciences Department, the biology master’s program at Bridgewater State University is your pathway to increasing your expertise in ecological, environmental, cellular or molecular biological sciences. Enroll in BSU’s program knowing a master’s degree in biology from BSU will fine tune your critical thinking and technical skills. If you’ve already started your career, our biology graduate program will deepen your understanding of biological sciences and expose you to emerging research.

Students earn their biology MS degrees in as little as two years with the guidance of accomplished faculty. You will learn in intimate classroom and lab settings, allowing you to get the attention you need to advance in your career or pursue further graduate studies.

Graduate Admissions

Bridgewater State University
Maxwell Library, Room 019
10 Shaw Road
Bridgewater, MA 02325

(508) 531-1300

gradadmissions@bridgew.edu

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Biology Master's Degree Program Highlights

2 BSU students doing research at Woods Hole

Take advantage of unique experiential learning opportunities

BSU’s biology master’s program is distinguished by our longstanding partnership with the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Mass. The marine models for animal development internship allows students in BSU’s master’s in biology program to delve into embryonic development as well as apply modern cell and molecular techniques.

Professor Maria Armour talks with a student in biology lab

Learn in focused, small classes

You’ll earn your master’s degree in biology in courses that never exceed 16 peers. This allows you to get the most from studying with BSU’s expert faculty.

Dr. Kenneth Adams in BSU biology lab with students

Work with top-notch faculty

Our diverse team of consummate professors in BSU’s master’s in biological sciences program include experts in community ecology, biometry, cell and molecular biology and evolution. PhD holders in areas such as genetics, aquatic ecology, neurobiology and anatomy round out BSU’s biology faculty.

Sharpen your skills in an impressive array of facilities

While earning your master’s in biological sciences at BSU, you’ll have access to 13 teaching laboratories, five prep laboratories and eight faculty-student research laboratories that include tissue culture, small mammal, aquatic and natural history facilities.

Early acceptance option

BSU undergraduates can apply for early acceptance in their junior or senior year of undergraduate study. Both Biology B.S. and B.A. students are eligible and should consult with the graduate program coordinator during the sophomore or junior year to ensure proper preparation. Upon acceptance, students may take up to two graduate-level courses during their final year of undergraduate study and may apply these courses to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Program of Study for Biology Graduate Students

After earning your undergraduate degree, a master’s in biology from Bridgewater State University facilitates a deep dive into topics that will help you emerge as a leader in your field. You’ll take courses in areas like biostatistics and sharpen your research techniques across areas of study like ecology and environmental science.

Coursework for your master’s in biology culminates in a self-directed study of your choice, with teachers moving on to focus on licensure. Students also have the opportunity to complete a graduate intern-ship or complete a thesis.

Admission Requirements and Program Details

Click any link below to reveal each program's admission requirements and program description.

Program details from 2024-2025 Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog

Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Christopher Bloch

Careers in Biology

BSU’s proximity to Boston sets us apart among biology graduate programs, giving you access to numerous networking opportunities while earning your master’s degree in biology.

Upon earning a master’s in biology, students go on to work in public and private school settings and in industry, with job titles that include:

High school science teacher
Certified pharmacy technician at Cleveland Clinic
Educational consultant

Biologists earn a median income of up to

$65,000

according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Graduate Funding Opportunities

The College of Graduate Studies provides various opportunities for graduate students to receive funding while working towards their degrees. Appointments are competitive and are determined by undergraduate and/or graduate grade point averages, pertinent experience, educational preparation and interviews. For information on assistantships, fellowships and conference funding awards, please visit our Graduate Funding Opportunities page.

The MS in Biology program is eligible for unsubsidized student loans and applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For more specific questions, please visit the Financial Aid Office website or contact them directly at finaid@bridgew.edu.