The graduate programs in biological sciences are designed to offer a broad, multi-disciplinary, modern education in the life sciences coupled with the development of in-depth expertise and research training within a specialized area.

The Ph.D. and M.S. programs in biological sciences are designed to offer a broad, multi-disciplinary, modern education in the life sciences coupled with the development of in-depth expertise and research training within a specialized area. Because many current problems in the biological sciences overlap traditional disciplinary boundaries, a single graduate program is offered rather than the traditional separate programs in botany, microbiology, zoology and other areas. The research of the faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences covers a broad range, from structure and function of nucleic acids to the feeding behavior of animals. Therefore this program provides a diversity of opportunities for research and graduate education in biology. Program specialties include: molecular biology as studied in bacterial, yeast, plant and animal systems; cellular and developmental biology; genetics; cellular immunology; neurobiology; behavior; population biology and ecology.

Requirements for admission

To be admitted to graduate study in the Department of Biological Sciences, students should have the following recommended preparation:

Candidates with a biological or related degree

• Calculus (one semester)
• Organic Chemistry (two semesters with laboratory)
• Physics (two semesters)
• Genetics (one semester)
• Cell Biology (one semester)
• Research Experience (preferred, but not required)

Candidates with a computational or related degree

Candidate students with an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Information Systems, or related fields only require the programming skills and biological background included within their degree. Candidate students with an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related fields applying to the Computational, Bioinformatics, and Systems Biology Area of Specialization are expected to have basic programming skills (equivalent at least to a one semester course).

Graduate Curriculum

Good graduate education rests on many foundations: enthusiastic and gifted students, talented and dedicated faculty and staff, emphasis on the individual needs of students, good funding, and up-to-date research equipment. UMBC’s graduate programs in Biological Sciences have these qualities and an excellent nurturing environment as well.

A multifaceted, highly interactive education takes place at UMBC in small courses, seminars, group meetings, and spontaneous discussions in the lab. The success of our efforts in this process is evident. Biological Sciences graduate students can look forward to:

• Publishing in top-tier journals
• Presenting their research at regional, national, and international science meetings
• Continuing their education as postdoctoral students in premier labs

We invite you to explore the information available about UMBC’s graduate programs in Biological Sciences. If our research areas match your interests, please contact us to arrange a visit to the department and the UMBC campus.

Application documents

• Completed Graduate School application
• A bachelor’s degree at an accredited four-year college or university
• Statement of academic goals and research interests
• Three letters of recommendation
• Resume
• Official transcripts from all college-level institutions attended
• Official report of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test*
• Official report of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) from applicants whose native language is not English. A minimum score of 80 on the iBT is required for admission.

*GRE scores are waived for all students applying for Fall 2022 admission. Students are welcome to submit GRE scores if they wish, but are not required to.

Applying for admissions

To begin the formal application process, please visit the Graduate School website where you may apply online. The online application requires paying the $50 application fee by credit card.

Our programs admit students for Fall matriculation only. Please note, prior arrangements with a research mentor is not required at time of application. It is recommended that applicants include faculty or research areas they wish to work with in their goal statement.

Please direct questions about the application process to the Graduate Program Coordinator.

Financial Assistance

Various types of financial support are available to students seeking a graduate degree. All Ph.D. candidates are offered financial support until completion of their degree through teaching or research assistantships, contingent on available funds and on making satisfactory progress toward their degree. The large amount of sponsored research in the department provides opportunities for graduate students to be employed on research projects.

Tuition fee-2 years$50,000

Total fee-2 years$80,000