Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.A. in Biological Sciences
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Biological Sciences at UB is a 30-credit hour program, typically completed within 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students. This program is designed to be comprehensive and adaptable, allowing students to tailor their coursework to their specific academic and career goals. It offers significant flexibility in course selection, enabling students to delve into various sub-disciplines of biology. While it is primarily a coursework-based program, students may have opportunities for independent study or research projects, depending on their interests and faculty availability. The program culminates in a comprehensive exam or a capstone project.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.A. in Biological Sciences provides a solid grounding in core biological principles while allowing for extensive customization. Students are typically required to take a broad range of graduate-level courses within the Department of Biological Sciences. This includes options from diverse areas such as cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, evolutionary biology, ecology, neurobiology, plant biology, and microbiology. Students can select courses that align with their interests in fields like bioinformatics, immunology, developmental biology, or environmental science. The flexibility of the curriculum allows students to strengthen their knowledge in specific areas relevant to their future professional or academic pursuits.
Research Focus: While the M.A. in Biological Sciences at UB is primarily a coursework-based program, it is situated within a vibrant research department. Faculty members in the Department of Biological Sciences are actively engaged in cutting-edge research across a wide spectrum of biological disciplines, often receiving significant external funding. Their research spans areas such as cancer biology, developmental biology, ecology and evolution, genomics, neurobiology, and microbiology. Although a thesis is not typically required for the M.A., students may have opportunities to engage in independent research projects or directed studies under faculty mentorship, gaining valuable laboratory or field experience and contributing to scientific inquiry.
Industry Engagement: The M.A. in Biological Sciences program at UB prepares graduates for roles in various industries that require a strong scientific foundation. Graduates are sought after in sectors such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental consulting, clinical research, public health laboratories, and agricultural science. The program's emphasis on molecular techniques, data analysis, and scientific reasoning directly aligns with the needs of these industries. While formal industry partnerships may vary, the department's strong research enterprise and connections within the Western New York biotech corridor can provide students with exposure to industry practices and potential networking opportunities. Graduates are well-equipped for positions requiring scientific expertise and analytical skills.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Biological Sciences at UB inherently fosters a global perspective, as biological principles are universal, and many biological challenges (e.g., pandemics, biodiversity loss, climate change) are global in scope. The curriculum often incorporates examples and research from diverse global contexts, and faculty may engage in international research collaborations. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, enriching the learning environment with varied cultural viewpoints and different approaches to biological inquiry and problem-solving from around the world. This exposure prepares graduates to contribute to international scientific collaborations and address global biological and environmental challenges.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 34200
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
Graduates with an M.A. in Biological Sciences from UB possess a strong scientific background and analytical skills, making them versatile candidates for diverse roles in research, industry, education, and healthcare.
Research Technician/Associate: Work in academic, government, or industry laboratories, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and supporting scientific research projects.
Laboratory Manager: Oversee operations, equipment, and safety protocols in research or clinical laboratories.
Clinical Research Coordinator: Manage and coordinate clinical trials in pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, or contract research organizations.
Environmental Scientist: Conduct scientific assessments, monitor environmental quality, and contribute to conservation efforts for government agencies, consulting firms, or non-profits.
Biotech/Pharmaceutical Research Assistant: Support drug discovery, development, and testing in biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies.
Science Educator (Secondary/Community College): Teach biology or related science subjects at the high school level or at community colleges.
Medical Laboratory Technologist: Perform diagnostic tests on patient samples in clinical laboratories to assist in disease diagnosis and treatment.
Quality Control/Assurance Specialist: Ensure product quality and regulatory compliance in pharmaceutical, food, or biotechnology manufacturing.
Scientific Writer/Editor: Translate complex scientific information into clear, concise, and engaging content for publications, grants, or educational materials.
Bioinformatics Analyst: Apply computational tools and statistical methods to analyze large biological datasets (e.g., genomic, proteomic) in research or industry settings.
