Master of Arts (MA) / Master of Science (MS) in Biology
Advance your biology expertise through flexible, research-driven graduate study that prepares you for professional school, doctoral programs, teaching, or career growth.
Advance your future
in the biological sciences
The MA/MS in Biology at West Liberty University combines rigorous graduate coursework with personalized faculty mentorship and hands-on research opportunities. Whether your goal is professional school admission, doctoral study, teaching, research, or advancement in the workforce, the program provides the scientific knowledge and practical experience needed to move forward with confidence.
At A
Glance
Degree: Master of Arts (MA) in Biology; Master of Science (MS) in Biology
Total Credits: 30 credit hours
Format: In-seat/on-campus
Completion Options: Traditional MA or MS pathways
Research Option:
MS students complete a thesis and oral defense
Faculty Research Areas: Molecular biology, microbiology, ecology, evolution, environmental stewardship, zoology, conservation, bioinformatics, and more
Institutional Credential:
Regionally accredited graduate degree from West Liberty University
Who This
Program is For
The MA/MS in Biology is designed for students seeking advanced training in biological sciences and those preparing for careers or further education in research, healthcare, environmental science, and higher education.
This program is ideal for individuals who:
- Plan to pursue a PhD in a biology-related field
- Want to strengthen their credentials before applying to medical, dental, veterinary, or other professional schools
- Seek advancement in biological, biomedical, or environmental science careers
- Desire hands-on research experience working alongside faculty mentors
- Aspire to teach biology at the collegiate level or in other educational settings
Applicants should typically have a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
Career &
Outcomes
Graduates develop advanced scientific knowledge, research competencies, analytical thinking skills, and professional communication abilities that prepare them for success in research, education, healthcare, environmental science, and doctoral-level study.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
- Research Scientist or Research Technician
- Environmental Scientist or Environmental Consultant
- Laboratory Professional in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or biomedical industries
- Biology Instructor or Higher Education Educator
- Doctoral Student (PhD programs)
- Professional School Candidate (medical, dental, veterinary, or related health professions)
Employment Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for biological scientists and related life science occupations is projected to grow over the coming decade as demand continues for research, biotechnology innovation, conservation, environmental monitoring, and healthcare-related scientific expertise.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Median Annual Wage
Many careers within biological and life sciences offer competitive salaries, with median wages varying by specialization, research area, industry, and geographic location.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Why Earn Your
MA/MS in Biology at WLU?
West Liberty University offers a personalized graduate experience that combines advanced scientific training, close faculty mentorship, and meaningful research opportunities. Students benefit from small class sizes, flexible curriculum options, and a supportive academic environment focused on career and educational advancement.
Program highlights include:
- Affordable graduate education at a public university
- 30-credit-hour degree pathway
- Opportunities to conduct faculty-mentored research
- Access to research laboratories spanning molecular biology through ecology
- Flexible curriculum options aligned with individual goals
- Personalized support and mentorship from experienced faculty
Tuition, Cost
& Value
Detailed tuition and cost information is available online.
Designed to provide exceptional value through an efficient 30-credit-hour curriculum
Research opportunities provide valuable hands-on experience and graduate-level credentials
May be compatible with employer tuition assistance and education benefits
Prepares students for doctoral, professional, and advanced career pathways
Personalized faculty mentorship enhances academic and career development
Program
Format
The MA/MS in Biology is delivered through an in-seat graduate learning experience that emphasizes faculty interaction, research engagement, and advanced scientific study. Students work closely with faculty mentors while building expertise through coursework, research projects, and professional development opportunities.
Program delivery highlights include:
- On-campus graduate coursework
- 30-credit-hour degree structure
- Faculty-guided research opportunities
- Independent study options available
- Thesis pathway for MS students
- Small-program environment with individualized mentorship
What
You’ll Learn
Biological Science Foundations
- Advanced concepts in general biology
- Ecology and evolution
- Human biology
- Environmental stewardship
Research & Scientific Inquiry
- Graduate research methods
- Experimental design
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Scientific literature evaluation
Laboratory & Technical Skills
- Laboratory techniques and methodology
- Microbiology applications
- Molecular biology concepts
- Independent research execution
Professional & Academic Development
- Scientific communication
- Graduate-level problem solving
- Collaborative research practices
- Preparation for doctoral and professional programs
Curriculum
Overview
The curriculum combines graduate biology coursework, research training, and faculty mentorship to provide a balanced foundation in advanced biological sciences. Students can tailor aspects of their studies to align with research interests, career goals, or preparation for further education.
Curriculum highlights include:
- 30 total graduate credit hours
- Graduate coursework in biology and related scientific disciplines
- Graduate Research Skills coursework
- Independent study opportunities
- Thesis and oral defense requirement for MS students
Total Credits: 30 credit hours
Graduate Program
Concentrations
Molecular Biology & Microbiology
Explore advanced biological systems, microbial processes, cellular function, and emerging biomedical research topics while gaining laboratory and research experience. Graduates may pursue biotechnology, healthcare, laboratory, or doctoral pathways.
Ecology, Evolution & Environmental Stewardship
Study ecosystem dynamics, environmental challenges, biodiversity, evolutionary biology, and conservation. This emphasis supports careers in environmental science, conservation, government agencies, and research.
Human Biology & Biomedical Studies
Build advanced knowledge relevant to medical, dental, veterinary, and other health professions while strengthening preparation for professional school admission.
Faculty-Mentored Research
Work alongside experienced faculty researchers across diverse biological disciplines while developing the research skills necessary for doctoral study and scientific careers.
Admissions
Requirements
The program seeks academically prepared students who demonstrate potential for success in graduate-level biological sciences coursework and research. Admissions decisions consider academic preparation, scientific background, and professional potential.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Completed online graduate application
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Degree in Biology, Ecology, Chemistry, or a related field
- Minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.6
- Minimum science GPA of 2.8
- Applicants from unrelated fields may be considered with at least 18 biology or ecology credit hours and a minimum 3.0 GPA in those courses
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
Provisional Admission
- Provisional admission may be granted upon faculty approval for applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements.
International Applicant Notice
International applicants must also provide:
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or approved equivalent)
- Credential evaluation of international coursework
- Proof of financial support
- Passport identification documentation
- Immunization records
Ready to Advance
Your Career
Take the next step toward a future in research, healthcare, environmental science, education, or doctoral study. The MA/MS in Biology at West Liberty University combines advanced scientific training, faculty mentorship, and hands-on research opportunities to help you achieve your academic and professional goals.