M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
M.S. in Biology
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology through its Department of Biology within the College of Arts and Sciences. This program is a thesis-based degree primarily designed to prepare students for a research career in the biological sciences or for advanced doctoral (Ph.D.) studies. It is a rigorous program that emphasizes original student research and the development of advanced critical thinking and laboratory skills. The M.S. in Biology at UNF offers three distinct concentrations: Ecology/Environmental Biology, Microbiology/Molecular Biology, and Coastal and Marine Biology, allowing students to specialize in areas highly relevant to Florida's unique natural environment and emerging biotechnologies. The program requires 36 credit hours, including a thesis defense.
STEM-designated: Yes, the Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology at UNF is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, especially for international students, as it allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the U.S. after graduation, providing more time for career development and experience in relevant scientific fields. UNF actively promotes its STEM programs and highlights the importance of these disciplines for regional and national development.
Curriculum: The 36-credit hour curriculum for the M.S. in Biology at UNF is designed to provide a comprehensive and research-focused education. Students are required to complete a minimum of 18 graded coursework credits, along with 1 credit for thesis defense. The remaining credits can be fulfilled through research or seminars. The program offers a wide array of graduate-level biology courses, allowing students to select electives aligned with their chosen concentration: Ecology/Environmental Biology, Microbiology/Molecular Biology, or Coastal and Marine Biology. Course examples include Advanced Marine Botany, Advanced Physiology, Advanced Molecular Biology Techniques, Cellular Immunology, Marine Ecology, Molecular Genetics, Advanced Cancer Biology, Quantitative Ecology, and many more. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on laboratory and field experience, critical analysis of scientific literature, and rigorous training in research methodologies.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Biology at UNF is fundamentally a research-based degree centered on original student research. Students are expected to conduct independent research projects under the mentorship of a faculty advisor, culminating in a master's thesis and its defense. The program trains students in current biological theories and techniques, with a strong emphasis on experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. Faculty research interests are diverse, spanning areas such as bacterial genetics, genetic engineering, marine mammalogy, ecology of wetlands, population genetics, and molecular biology relevant to human health and disease. This research-intensive environment prepares graduates to contribute new knowledge to the scientific community and to pursue further doctoral studies.
Industry Engagement: While the M.S. in Biology is highly academic and research-oriented, it also prepares graduates for roles in various industries that require advanced biological skills. The concentrations offered by UNF directly align with growing sectors such as biotechnology, environmental biology, and marine science. Students may gain practical experience through their thesis research, which often involves collaborations with local environmental agencies, research institutions, or biotechnology companies. While formal industry partnerships for direct placements may vary by concentration, the program's strong research focus and the expertise developed in specialized areas directly address the needs of industries that rely on scientific innovation, data analysis, and environmental stewardship. Graduates are equipped to fill diverse needs requiring advanced biological skills, contributing to industry growth.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Biology at UNF inherently incorporates a global perspective through the universal nature of biological science and the global scale of many ecological and molecular phenomena. For instance, the Coastal and Marine Biology concentration addresses issues like climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems, which are global concerns. The Microbiology/Molecular Biology concentration delves into fundamental mechanisms of life and disease that have worldwide implications. Students engage with international scientific literature and contribute to a global body of knowledge through their research. Faculty research often addresses topics with broader, global relevance, exposing students to the interconnectedness of biological systems and environmental challenges worldwide. The program prepares graduates to understand and contribute to scientific solutions for global biological issues.
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 Science (M.S.) in Biology from the University of North Florida (UNF) is a STEM-designated, thesis-based program offered through the Department of Biology within the College of Arts and Sciences. This rigorous program is ideal for students aiming for a research career in the biological sciences or preparing for further doctoral (Ph.D.) studies.
Research Scientist/Associate: Works in academic, government, or private industry labs (e.g., pharmaceutical, biotechnology, environmental consulting) conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to scientific discoveries and product development.
Environmental Scientist/Biologist: Employed by government agencies (e.g., EPA, state environmental departments, fish and wildlife commissions), non-profits, or private firms, they conduct field research, assess environmental impacts, monitor ecosystems, and develop conservation strategies.
Microbiologist/Molecular Biologist: Specializes in studying microorganisms or the molecular mechanisms of life. Roles can be in biomedical research, public health labs, food safety, or biotechnology companies developing new diagnostic tools or therapies.
Marine Biologist: Focuses on the biology of marine organisms and ecosystems. Careers can involve research, conservation, fisheries management, or working with aquariums and marine research institutions, especially given UNF's Coastal and Marine Biology concentration.
Biotechnologist/Bio-manufacturing Specialist: Works in the burgeoning biotechnology industry, developing and producing biological products, processes, or technologies for medicine, agriculture, or industrial applications. This often involves laboratory-based roles in research and development or quality control.
Ecologist/Conservation Biologist: Researches the relationships between organisms and their environment, often focusing on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, or wildlife management for governmental agencies, non-profits, or academic institutions.
Laboratory Manager/Supervisor: Oversees the daily operations of scientific laboratories, including managing equipment, ensuring safety protocols, supervising technicians, and coordinating research projects in various scientific or industrial settings.
Data Analyst (Biology/Life Sciences): Utilizes strong analytical and quantitative skills to interpret complex biological datasets (e.g., genomics, ecological surveys, clinical trial data), translating findings into actionable insights for research, healthcare, or industry.
Higher Education Instructor (Community College/Adjunct Faculty): With a master's degree, graduates can teach introductory biology courses at community colleges or serve as adjunct faculty at universities, sharing their expertise with undergraduate students.
Science Writer/Editor: Communicates complex scientific information to various audiences. This can involve writing for scientific journals, technical documentation, grant proposals, educational materials, or popular science publications in academia, government, or private industry.
