
Biology (MSBio)
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Biology (MSBio) Overview
As of 1.1.22, the MSBIO program is no longer accepting applications. All currently enrolled students will progress through the program to completion. Students interested in this program should explore our Master of Arts in Biomedical Studies program.
There has never been a more exciting time to be a biologist. Every day, life-changing discoveries are made in basic science. In many professions, the master's degree is now the minimum requirement for either employment or advancement. Many students have used our Master of Science in Biology as a stepping stone to careers in research, teaching, and advocacy. With the flexibility of two tracks, the MS Biology program mentors students through the completion of either an independent research project or a formal thesis.
Varies by Term
Recommended deadlines:
Fall entry: April 1
Spring entry: October 1
Summer entry: March 1
We will continue to accept applications after recommended deadlines if there is space in the program.
34-36
The program can typically be completed in two years.
$1,126
Cost consists of program tuition (cost per credit times number of credits) as well as any applicable University and degree-specific fees.
Successful Outcomes
We are proud of our 90% success rate for student placement in advanced degrees after completing our program.
Explore the Master of Science in Biology Degree:
The thesis track provides the research experience needed for students who wish to apply to Ph.D. programs, teach, or work in research positions. Students complete two thesis courses, a course in research design, a course in biostatistics, and nine courses related to research interests.
The non-thesis track is similar to the thesis track and also takes two years, but the scientific inquiry can be an applied research project, rather than the pure, basic research required for a thesis project. For example, a student might wish to explore different pedagogical strategies for teaching high school students, or perform environmental monitoring. Students complete an independent study project, a course in study design, a course in biostatistics, a course in scientific dissemination, and nine courses related to biological interests.
Chatham's primary mission is teaching, so we offer our MSBio program because we know there is a need for it in our community. We know the program is successful because of the high success rate of our graduates.
— LISA LAMBERT, Ph.D., professor of biology and AVP for Undergraduate Learning

Research Opportunities
Engaging in guided research projects, students have opportunities to learn cutting edge theoretical and practical skills, while exploring interests in human physiology, evolution, microbiology, environmental chemistry, computational modeling, and more. Click the button below to read more about our faculty members' current research topics. We encourage students to identify with a faculty member's research interests first, then to email their graduate admission recruiter to discuss applying.
Explore Faculty Research : Checkerboard 1 - Research Opportunities
Help Funding Your Degree
Admitted students who plan to start in the fall term may apply for one of the limited number of assistantships available, typically to provide research assistance, lab assistance, or teaching assistance to undergraduate courses. Graduate assistantships offer funding in the form of tuition remission in the fall and spring terms.
View Funding Opportunities : Checkerboard 2 - Help Funding Your Degree
MA in Biomedical Studies
Looking to enhance your credentials to apply to medical, dental, physician assistant, or veterinary schools? Chatham offers a one-year Master of Arts in Biomedical Studies (MABS) degree offering professional preparation for success in health science programs.
Learn About MABS : Checkerboard 3 - MA in Biomedical Studies
Outcomes & Student Success
We have a greater than 90% success rate for student placement in advanced degrees after completing our program, and recent graduates have gone on to hold the following positions: Ph.D. Pharmacology graduate student at Duquesne University, newborn audiologist at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, science education and research coordinator at Phipps Conservatory, medical laboratory scientist at Perkin Elmer Genetics.