Program Details
M.A. degree program in biology
HEGIS code 0401
NYS SED program code 01987
This master of arts program offers advanced instruction and research in many areas of biology. The degree program includes lectures, colloquia, seminars, and may include laboratory work, and fieldwork. Thesis research may be conducted in one of the department's many laboratories, where faculty and students study cell, molecular, developmental, and behavioral biology. This degree prepares students to work in laboratories in academia as well as in biotechnology, pharmaceutical companies, and government laboratories within agencies such as the EPA or FDA. It also provides master's-level training for biology teachers. Students receiving the research-based degree are well prepared to go on to earn their doctorate. The CUNY Ph.D. prepares students to teach at the college level and perform independent research in academia as well as in industrial and governmental labs.
Program Heads
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Phone
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Email
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Office Hours
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| Saxena, Anjana | Chair and Graduate Deputy | 718.951.5000 x2671 | 416 New Ingersol |
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Email for appointments |
Admission Requirements
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Biology |
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The program does not accept applications for Fall |
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The program does not accept applications for Spring |
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Supporting Documents for Matriculation: Submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions: 1. Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (applicants who earned a bachelor's degree outside the United States need to submit a 'Course by Course International Transcript Evaluation.' http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/web/admissions/graduate/apply/documents.php) 2. Two letters of recommendation and a personal statement. REQUIRED TESTS: I. F-1 or J-1 international students must submit English Proficiency Exam. TOEFL- 79, IELTS- 6.5, PTE- 58-63, Duolingo 105-160. Interview may be required. Refer to instructions at http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/web/admissions/graduate/apply.php . |
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| TOEFL (paper, computer, internet) | N/A, N/A, N/A |
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*** The M.A. degree in biology program is currently not accepting students. ***
The program is in hiatus until 2026.
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Matriculation requirements
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Applicants must offer adequate preparation in the following, with a grade point average of 3.00 or higher: a minimum of 8 credits of introductory biology; an appropriate general physics course; two terms of organic chemistry; and a minimum of two advanced courses selected from the following areas of study: botany, zoology, microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, anatomy, ecology, evolution, general physiology, or genetics.
The Biology Department's graduate admission committee selects candidates to be admitted to the program. An interview may be required of applicants. Candidates must submit 2 letters of recommendation and a personal statement. General matriculation and admission requirements of Graduate Studies are in the section "Admission."
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Degree requirements
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Thirty credits are required for the degree. Students must complete 21 credits in courses in the Biology Department.
Students may fulfill requirements for the MA through either of the following plans. Student's applications must indicate whether they are applying to the research or library thesis based program. A switch in plan A to plan B or vice-versa is only granted in extenuating circumstances by the Graduate Deputy. Both plan A and B are under the same MA, Biology Program.
Plan A: A research-based thesis degree
This degree is designed to prepare students for a research career and prepare students to move on to the Ph.D. or to prepare students for a research-based technical career.
The following courses are required: BIOL 7991G, BIOL 7100G, BIOL 7150G and a minimum of 3 courses from the following list: BIOL 7005X, BIOL 7141G, BIOL 7503X, BIOL 7007G or additional courses approved by the graduate deputy. Students must submit a research thesis and presentation acceptable to the department. No more than 2 credits in Biology 7910G may be counted toward the degree. Only one research course (advanced study or thesis research) may be taken each semester.
With permission of the deputy chairperson, the remaining credits required for the degree may be in courses in another science department.
Plan B: A library thesis based degree for students with education or pre-professional career plans. This option is designed to prepare students for non-research-based careers.
The following courses are required: BIOL 7991G, BIOL 7100G and a minimum of 2 courses from the following list: BIOL 7005X, BIOL 7141G, BIOL 7503X, BIOL 7007G or additional courses approved by the graduate deputy. Students must take a comprehensive exam and submit a library thesis acceptable to the department.
No more than 2 credits of Biology 7910G may be counted toward the degree. Students are however encouraged to take Biology 7080G when offered instead of taking Biology 7910G twice. Students should not take Biology 7922G. Only one research course (advanced study or thesis research) may be taken each semester.
With permission of the deputy chairperson, the remaining credits required for the degree may be in courses in another science department.
Information about requirements for the thesis is in the section "Academic Regulations and Procedures."
