M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
M.A. in Biology
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Biology through its Department of Biology within the College of Arts and Sciences. This program is specifically designed as a non-thesis, 36-credit hour graduate program aimed primarily at K-12 science educators and individuals already employed in local environmental agencies. It serves those who wish to advance their biological knowledge and understanding of current theories without needing a strong research focus typically associated with an M.S. or Ph.D. program. The M.A. in Biology helps students deepen their understanding of biological principles and working theories to enhance their professional capabilities, often leading to career advancement or increased expertise in their current roles.
STEM-designated: While UNF explicitly lists several of its undergraduate and graduate biology and science programs as STEM-designated (such as the M.S. in Biology with its various concentrations, and specific undergraduate biology programs), the M.A. in Biology is not explicitly listed as STEM-designated in the readily available information. Prospective international students, in particular, should directly confirm the STEM designation for the M.A. in Biology with the UNF admissions office or the Biology Department, as this status has significant implications for post-graduation Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligibility in the U.S.
Curriculum: The 36-credit hour curriculum for the M.A. in Biology at UNF requires students to select 36 hours from a broad list of graduate-level biology courses. Students are required to maintain a grade of "B" or better in all graduate courses. The extensive list of available courses covers diverse areas within biology, including advanced topics in marine botany, physiology, marine mammals, biological pharmacology, molecular biology techniques, cellular immunology, marine ecology, molecular genetics, advanced cancer biology, quantitative ecology, freshwater ecology, and many others. This allows students to tailor their coursework to their specific interests and professional needs, whether they are science teachers looking to update their subject matter expertise or environmental agency employees seeking advanced knowledge in relevant biological fields.
Research Focus: The M.A. in Biology at UNF is explicitly a non-thesis program, meaning its primary focus is on advanced coursework rather than original, independent research. While students will engage with current biological theories and techniques through their studies, the program is not designed to prepare them for a research career in the traditional sense, unlike UNF's Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology which is thesis-based and centered on original student research. However, students will still develop critical thinking and analytical skills by engaging with complex biological concepts and scientific literature within their chosen courses.
Industry Engagement: While the M.A. in Biology is less about direct industry placements than some professional master's degrees, it's tailored for specific professional groups: K-12 educators and employees of local environmental agencies. This inherent design suggests strong practical relevance to these sectors. The curriculum is likely informed by the needs of these professions, ensuring that the advanced biological knowledge gained is directly applicable to their work. UNF's location in Northeast Florida, with its rich natural environments and numerous environmental organizations, likely facilitates informal connections and opportunities for graduates within local agencies and school systems.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Biology at UNF, while focusing on advanced biological principles, implicitly incorporates a global perspective through the universality of biological sciences. Many environmental issues, ecological principles, and molecular biological discoveries have global relevance. Coursework may touch upon topics such as global climate change effects on ecosystems, international conservation efforts, or globally prevalent diseases, depending on the specific electives chosen by students. While there might not be explicit "global biology" courses within the M.A., the scientific knowledge base itself often transcends national borders, preparing graduates to understand biological phenomena within a broader context.
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18803
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
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 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNF provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically to eligible applicants during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are reserved exclusively for international students. Examples include the International Freshman Scholarship and the International Transfer Scholarship, which reward high-achieving students with financial aid packages that may cover partial to full tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited for international students, some need-based financial aid options may be available through private organizations or partnerships coordinated by UNF’s financial aid office. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship databases for additional funding opportunities.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments and colleges at UNF offer scholarships targeted to students enrolled in specific fields of study. International students can apply for these scholarships based on their major, research interests, or academic achievements within their discipline.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Biology from the University of North Florida (UNF) is designed to deepen the biological knowledge of professionals, particularly K-12 science educators and individuals working in environmental agencies. As a non-thesis program, it focuses on advanced coursework and theoretical understanding rather than original research, making it ideal for those seeking to enhance their expertise, advance in their current careers, or transition into roles requiring a strong grasp of biological principles.
High School or Middle School Science Teacher (Advanced/Lead): For K-12 educators, an M.A. in Biology provides the advanced subject matter expertise required to teach more complex science courses (e.g., AP Biology, IB Biology), serve as department heads, or take on curriculum development roles.
Environmental Educator/Outreach Coordinator: These professionals educate the public, students, and communities about environmental issues, conservation, and biological sciences. They might work for nature centers, museums, non-profit organizations, or government agencies, leading workshops, developing educational materials, and organizing outreach programs.
Environmental Scientist/Specialist (Government or Private): Building on their existing experience, environmental agency employees with an M.A. in Biology can advance to roles that involve more complex analysis, policy interpretation, or project management related to environmental protection, resource management, and conservation.
Conservation Biologist/Technician (Non-Research): While pure research is often tied to an M.S. or Ph.D., an M.A. can enhance roles in conservation where the focus is on practical application, such as habitat restoration, wildlife management, field surveys, and data collection for conservation initiatives in governmental or non-profit organizations.
Park Naturalist/Ranger (Interpretive): These roles involve interpreting natural and cultural resources for park visitors. An M.A. in Biology provides a deeper understanding of ecological systems, wildlife, and botany, enabling them to lead educational programs, guided tours, and contribute to resource management.
Science Writer/Editor (Non-Research Focused): Graduates can leverage their comprehensive biological knowledge and communication skills to write for scientific publications, educational materials, environmental advocacy groups, or popular science media, translating complex scientific concepts for broader audiences.
Laboratory Technician/Manager (Non-Research): In certain laboratory settings, particularly those focused on diagnostic testing, quality control, or specific applied biological processes (e.g., in biotechnology or pharmaceutical support roles), an M.A. can lead to supervisory or more specialized technician positions, even without a heavy research component.
Sustainability Coordinator/Specialist: Businesses and organizations increasingly need professionals to implement sustainable practices. An M.A. in Biology provides the ecological understanding to assess environmental impacts, advise on resource efficiency, and develop green initiatives.
Biological Collections Manager: These professionals oversee and manage biological collections in museums, herbaria, or zoological institutions. An M.A. enhances their taxonomic knowledge, preservation techniques, and organizational skills necessary for curating and maintaining valuable scientific specimens.
Zookeeper/Aquarist (Advanced Roles): While entry-level roles may not require a master's, an M.A. in Biology can lead to more specialized or supervisory positions within zoos and aquariums, particularly in areas related to animal behavior, conservation breeding programs, environmental enrichment, or animal health management.
