Bachelor’s-to-Master’s in Biology

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Boston University

Program Overview

The Bachelor’s-to-Master’s in Biology at Boston University combines a BA in Biology with an advanced MS, allowing motivated students to complete both degrees through an integrated five-year pathway. It is a great fit for students who want to build deeper knowledge in areas such as cellular and molecular biology, neurobiology, or ecology while gaining stronger research and analytical skills for life-science careers or further professional study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students start by building a strong foundation in Biology through courses such as CAS BI 107 and CAS BI 108, alongside supporting subjects such as chemistry and mathematics or computer science. These introductory courses help students understand core biological concepts and prepare them for more advanced study.

Year 2: Students explore a wider range of biological disciplines, including Cell & Molecular Biology, Physiology and Neurobiology, and Ecology, Behavior & Evolution. Courses such as CAS BI 203, CAS BI 310, and CAS BI 225 help students understand biological systems at different levels while beginning to identify areas they may want to explore in greater depth.

Year 3: Students progress into upper-level Biology courses and electives while strengthening their laboratory, analytical, and research abilities. Opportunities such as CAS BI 340/350 Undergraduate Research in Biology can give students valuable hands-on experience working on real biological research projects.

Year 4: Students complete the remaining BA requirements while continuing to develop their expertise through advanced Biology electives and research opportunities. Students interested in the combined degree typically apply to the BA/MS program around their junior year, allowing them to prepare for the transition to graduate-level study.

Year 5: Students focus on advanced MS-level Biology coursework, taking 500-level and higher courses and choosing between Coursework, Scholarly Paper, and Research Thesis tracks. Depending on their interests, courses can include Molecular Biology (BI 552), Biochemistry I (BB 621), Progress in Neurobiology (BI 533/534), and Master’s Research in Biology (BI 595).

Focus Areas

Cellular and Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, Ecology, Behavior and Evolution, Biological Research, Life Sciences, Advanced Scientific and Analytical Skills

Learning Outcomes

Students develop a broad understanding of biology along with deeper expertise in their chosen area, while building skills in experimental design, scientific research, data analysis, critical evaluation of scientific literature, laboratory work, and scientific communication.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The official Boston University information does not list a separate professional accreditation for the BA/MS in Biology. Instead, the combined degree provides students with both undergraduate and graduate qualifications, advanced scientific training, and research experience that can support careers in academia, industry, government, healthcare-related fields, and life-science organisations.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Boston University highlights the BA/MS pathway as a way for students to gain additional expertise and strengthen their opportunities in the growing life-sciences job market. The Biology Department also notes that MS graduates are prepared for teaching and research positions across academia, industry, government, and nonprofit organisations; however, the university does not publish a separate employability ranking for this specific program.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA/MS in Biology at Boston University gives students many opportunities to turn biological concepts into practical research experience. Students can work directly with faculty, take part in laboratory and field research, earn academic credit or funding for research, and use specialised facilities and scientific equipment across the university. These experiences are especially valuable for students planning careers in research, biotechnology, healthcare, or further postgraduate study.

Students can develop practical skills through:

Undergraduate research: Students can join faculty research laboratories, where they may volunteer, earn academic credit, or undertake paid research. Biology students participate in research across areas such as molecular biology, cell biology, neurobiology, ecology, and evolution.
Research courses: Courses including BI 140, BI 240, BI 340, BI 350, and BI 450 allow students to progressively develop their research skills while working on faculty-led research projects.
UROP opportunities: The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) connects students with faculty-mentored research projects and can provide funding for undergraduate research across Boston University.
Honors research and thesis: Students pursuing Biology honours can complete BI 401 and BI 402 Honors Research and then develop an original research thesis through BI 497 or BI 498, including a final defence before a faculty committee.
Specialised research facilities: The Biology Research Building includes facilities such as an Aquarium Room, Stable Isotope Laboratory, DNA Sequencing and Molecular Biology Facility, instrument rooms, and environmental rooms, supporting a wide range of biological research.
Advanced imaging facilities: Students can benefit from specialised resources including the Electron Microscope and Confocal Imaging Facility, providing access to advanced imaging technologies used in biological research.
Teaching and research laboratories: The Metcalf Center for Science & Engineering houses Biology teaching laboratories, while research facilities in the Biological Science Center and Life Sciences & Engineering Building support research in areas including Cell & Molecular Biology and Neurobiology.
Field-based experience: Students can gain field experience through Biology research and field-based learning, with BU faculty and students conducting research at locations in the United States and internationally.
Science & Engineering Library: The Science & Engineering Library provides access to scientific books, journals, catalogues, and online research resources that students can use for assignments and independent research.
Research environment: Students benefit from Boston University’s wider research environment, where Biology connects with researchers and facilities across the university and the surrounding Boston scientific and medical community.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA/MS in Biology at Boston University gives students the advantage of completing both undergraduate and graduate-level study, helping them build deeper expertise and stronger research skills for the life-sciences sector. Graduates can move into research and science-based careers or continue their education through doctoral and professional programs in areas such as medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science.

Typical career opportunities include: Research Scientist, Laboratory Researcher, Biotechnology Professional, Life Sciences Research Associate

Career progression and graduate outcomes:

Career support: Boston University’s Center for Career Development supports students with career coaching, résumé and cover-letter guidance, interview preparation, workshops, networking opportunities, and access to Handshake for jobs and internships. BU Connects also allows students to connect with alumni for career advice, mentoring, and professional networking.
Employment outcomes: Boston University’s 2025 First Destination Survey reported that 61% of undergraduate graduates entered full-time employment, while 25% continued to graduate or professional school. The university-wide average starting salary was $74,956 among graduates who provided salary information. These figures represent all BU undergraduate graduates and are not specific to Biology.
Research and practical preparation: The program combines advanced Biology coursework with opportunities for research and independent study. Students can choose coursework, a scholarly paper, or a research thesis, allowing them to develop experience that is relevant to academic research and life-science employment.
University and industry connections: Biology graduates have progressed into research positions at organisations such as Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Tufts Medical Center. BU also connects students with the wider Boston life-sciences community and organisations such as Propel Careers, which supports opportunities across research, clinical, regulatory, informatics, business development, and related areas.
Long-term value: Completing both a BA and MS gives students more advanced academic and technical preparation than an undergraduate degree alone. The MS qualification can strengthen a graduate’s profile for research and teaching roles across academia, industry, government, and nonprofit organisations.
Graduation outcomes: Biology graduates have continued into master's programs at institutions including Boston University, Harvard, Yale, Tufts, Rutgers, and George Washington University. Others have progressed to medical, dental, and veterinary programs, showing that the degree can support a wide range of long-term career and academic goals.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA/MS in Biology, students can progress to PhD programs and other advanced graduate study in areas such as cellular and molecular biology, neurobiology, ecology, behavior, and evolution. The advanced training can also support applications to professional programs such as medical, dental, and veterinary school, while students interested in research can use their MS experience as a strong foundation for doctoral-level study.