BA/MS in Biology
The Biology major provides students with a breadth of understanding across the full range of biological disciplines as well as an opportunity to explore one of several specialized areas in greater depth. Required coursework for the major and different specializations establishes a core of fundamental knowledge in biology and related sciences. Students build on this foundation through a variety of lecture, laboratory, field, and seminar courses that offer them the opportunity to focus on specific disciplines. The development of laboratory and field skills is encouraged through elective participation in the cutting-edge research of the department’s faculty and engagement in the extensive biological resources in the Boston area.
Combining the BA with the MS provides students with additional skills and expertise to enhance their opportunities for employment in the growing life sciences job market or for further education, including both graduate programs and professional schools.
BA/MS Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental principles spanning the breadth of biology.
- Demonstrate expertise in the scientific method, including experimental design and critical assessment of the scientific literature.
- Attain the qualifications and advanced technical and/or analytical skills required for postgraduate education in biology or health-related fields, or employment in an academic, government, or private sector position related to the life sciences.
Course Requirements
The BA/MS program requires a total of 152 credits to be completed. At least 32 of these credits (equivalent to eight 4-credit Biology courses) must be completed at the graduate level (500 or higher) with a grade of B– or better and a GPA of 3.0 in these graduate courses. The BA and MS are awarded together after completion of all requirements for both degrees. Normally, students will complete the combined BA/MS in 5 years, or 10 semesters, but the program can be completed in less time.
Course titles and full descriptions are located in the Courses portion of this Bulletin.
BA Portion
Students must complete the 128 credits required for the BA in Biology or any of the Specializations in Biology.
MS Portion
For the MS in Biology, students must complete 32 credits of 500-level and above coursework with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Up to 8 of the credits used to fulfill the MS can also be used to fulfill requirements for the BA. Thus, students must complete 24 additional credits (equivalent to six 4-credit courses) beyond the required courses for the BA. Please visit the Biology Department website for more information on courses accepted for the MS portion.
Students will follow one of three tracks:
MS with Coursework Track
Students must complete 32 credits of 500-level and above coursework with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. All courses must be lecture, laboratory, or seminar courses selected under the mentorship of the student’s faculty advisor.
MS with Scholarly Paper Track
Students must complete 32 credits of 500-level and above coursework with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. At least 28 credits must be lecture, laboratory, or seminar courses. Up to 4 credits can be Readings in Biology (BI 701/702) or Research (BI 595). Courses will be selected under the mentorship of the student’s faculty advisor. In addition to the course requirements, the student must complete a scholarly literature-based paper that is approved by a committee of two faculty members from the Biology Department.
MS with Research Thesis Track
Students must complete 32 credits of 500-level and above coursework with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. At least 24 credits must be lecture, laboratory, or seminar courses. Up to 8 credits can be Research (BI 595). While BI 595 can be taken for a variable amount of credits, students in this track are encouraged to take two semesters of 4-credit BI 595 for the maximum 8 credits. If this is not possible for the student, alternative arrangements can be made. Courses will be selected under the mentorship of the student’s faculty advisor. In addition to the course requirements, the student must complete a program of research acceptable to their master’s committee that leads to the preparation of a research thesis. This research thesis must be approved by a committee of two faculty members from the Biology Department.
