Biology
Graduate Programs
Why Study Biology?
Explore your interests in the natural world, and gain technical and critical thinking skills that will serve you well in a range of professional roles.
The Department of Biological Sciences houses a broad-based research program spanning the biomedical sciences, from ecology and organismal biology to molecular and structural biology. Five graduate programs lead to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in an environment that is nurturing and focused on individual student success.
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Which Program is Right for You?
Master of Science in Applied Molecular Biology
Our two-semester applied molecular biology graduate degree is your fast track into the biotechnology industry and learning advanced research skills.
VIEW Master of Science DETAILS →Master of Science in Biological Sciences
The M.S. program in Biological Sciences (BIOL) offers a broad, multidisciplinary and modern education in the life sciences, coupled with the development of in-depth expertise and research training within a specialized area. UMBC offers a single master’s program, rather than the traditional separate programs in botany, microbiology, computational biology and other areas, because many current problems in the biological sciences overlap traditional disciplinary boundaries.
VIEW Master of Science DETAILS →Master of Science in Marine, Estuarine & Environmental Sciences
The Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Sciences (MEES) program trains students with career interests in environmental science involving terrestrial, freshwater, marine, or estuarine systems. The program is interdisciplinary and administered by the University System of Maryland, allowing students to access facilities and faculty at any institution in the system. The program’s unique structure allows students and their advisors to design a program best suited to each student’s interests.
VIEW Master of Science DETAILS →Ph.D. in Biological Sciences
The Ph.D. in Biological Sciences offers a broad, multidisciplinary and modern education in the life sciences, coupled with the development of in-depth expertise and research training within a specialized area. UMBC’s Biological Sciences doctoral program offers a broad life science education, because many current problems in the biological sciences overlap traditional disciplinary boundaries.
VIEW Ph.D. DETAILS →Ph.D. in Marine, Estuarine & Environmental Sciences
The Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Sciences (MEES) program trains students with career interests in environmental science involving terrestrial, freshwater, marine, or estuarine systems. The program is interdisciplinary and administered by the University System of Maryland, allowing students to access facilities and faculty at any institution in the system. The program’s unique structure allows students and their advisors to design a program best suited to each student’s interests.
VIEW Ph.D. DETAILS →Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology
UMBC’s Ph.D. program offers students interdepartmental access to faculty and research facilities and intense training in molecular and cell biology.
VIEW Ph.D. DETAILS →Ph.D. in Neurosciences and Cognitive Sciences
UMBC’s Ph.D. in Neurosciences and Cognitive Sciences (NACS) offers a wide range of research and training opportunities for doctoral students within the field of neuroscience. The program offers two concentrations, in neuroscience and computational neuroscience. Faculty research interests range from molecular neurobiology and neural and behavioral systems to analysis and modeling of neurons. Faculty and their students employ both theoretical and experimental approaches in their work. Experimental work includes cutting-edge methodologies; theoretical work includes mathematical, computer, and engineering studies; and both approaches are commonly used together.
VIEW Ph.D. DETAILS →Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid
UMBC works to provide students with adequate need-based funding.
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Contact Information
Biology Program Contacts
UMBC Graduate School Admissions Office Contact Information
Mailing Address
UMBC Graduate School
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250
Admissions Staff
Staff are available from Mon - Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 410-455-2537
Request Help
Email Graduate Admissions at gradschool@umbc.edu.