M.S. in Biology

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Syracuse University

Program Overview

The MS in Biology at Syracuse University provides research-oriented graduate training across diverse areas of biological science, allowing students to develop expertise through specialized study and faculty-supervised research. The program is suitable for students interested in molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, ecology, evolution, and biotechnology, with opportunities to pursue interdisciplinary research.

Curriculum Structure

The program offers flexible coursework based on the student's research interests and faculty advisor's guidance.

Year 1:

Students develop advanced knowledge in their selected biological discipline through graduate-level study in areas such as Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Developmental Biology. They also begin research activities, participate in academic seminars, and work with faculty advisors to establish their research direction.

Year 2:

Students deepen their specialization through advanced biological coursework, laboratory or field-based research, and independent investigation. They complete their research project under faculty supervision and develop the scientific skills required for advanced research or doctoral study.

Focus Areas: Cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, developmental biology, ecology, plant biology, evolution, animal behavior, genetics, genomics, epigenetics, neuroscience.

Learning Outcomes: Develop advanced biological knowledge, apply scientific research methods, investigate cellular and molecular processes, analyze biological data, understand genetic and evolutionary mechanisms, conduct laboratory and field research, interpret scientific literature, communicate research findings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): No specific professional accreditation is stated for the MS in Biology. The program emphasizes research training and interdisciplinary scientific development.

Reputation & Employability: Syracuse University provides research opportunities through its Biology Department, BioInspired Institute, and interdisciplinary research facilities. Graduate students receive access to faculty mentorship and professional development opportunities. The department reports that MS students are guaranteed funding for two years, generally through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or fellowships, including full tuition coverage and a stipend.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MS in Biology places research at the centre of graduate training. Students work closely with faculty mentors and can participate in laboratory or field-based investigations, depending on their chosen research area. The department also encourages interdisciplinary projects that connect different areas of modern biology.

Faculty-Mentored Research: Join a faculty research laboratory and receive individual guidance from a research advisor. Faculty projects cover molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, plant biology, ecology, evolution and other biological disciplines.

Laboratory Experience: Develop practical research skills through investigations in areas such as biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, genomics and developmental biology.
Field-Based Research: Participate in ecological and organismal research, including studies of species interactions, insect communities, plant-fungal relationships, ecosystem ecology and animal behaviour.
Interdisciplinary Research: Explore projects that combine two or more biological disciplines, allowing students to approach complex scientific questions from different perspectives.
Research Facilities: The university's Life Sciences Complex, a 230,000-square-foot facility, includes a confocal microscope and five climate-controlled greenhouses that support biological research and discovery.
Research Mentorship: Work with faculty whose research interests align with the student's proposed area of study. The department's graduate faculty provide one-to-one research guidance and serve as primary advisors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MS in Biology prepares graduates for research-oriented careers and further academic study in the biological sciences. Through faculty-supervised research and interdisciplinary training, students strengthen their ability to investigate biological questions, analyse scientific information and contribute to research projects in academic, medical, industrial and environmental settings.

Potential Career Opportunities:

Research Associate: Support laboratory or field-based research projects and contribute to scientific investigations.
Laboratory Research Specialist: Conduct experiments, analyse biological samples and maintain research procedures.
Biotechnology Research Associate: Assist with research and development involving biological systems and technologies.
Biomedical Research Assistant: Support investigations into cellular processes, disease mechanisms and biological functions.
Environmental Research Specialist: Conduct ecological studies and contribute to environmental research and education.
Molecular Biology Research Associate: Apply molecular and genetic techniques to investigate biological processes.
Genomics Research Associate: Assist with genomic data analysis and research into genetic variation and evolution.
Microbiology Research Associate: Investigate microorganisms, microbial communities and their interactions.
Ecology Research Associate: Study populations, species interactions and ecosystem processes.
Science Educator: Apply biological knowledge in educational and science-outreach settings, subject to relevant employer requirements.

Research and Industry Opportunities: Graduates can pursue opportunities in university laboratories, biotechnology and life-science companies, medical research settings, environmental organisations and government agencies. Syracuse reports that recent graduate alumni have secured positions in universities and colleges, industry, medical settings and environmental education.

Graduate Research Support: MS students receive financial support for their first two years, typically through a teaching assistantship and tuition scholarship during the academic year. Research assistantships and university fellowships may also provide support, depending on availability and eligibility.

Professional Development: Graduate students can access professional development opportunities through university resources and interdisciplinary research communities, including the BioInspired Institute and Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE). These opportunities support research collaboration, networking and the development of transferable professional skills.

Graduate Outcomes: Syracuse's graduate alumni records include MS Biology graduates who have progressed to research positions at SUNY Upstate Medical University and the University of Rochester Medical Center. These are individual examples rather than programme-wide employment statistics.

Employment Statistics and Salaries: The university does not publish a programme-specific employment rate, placement percentage or salary range for MS Biology graduates.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue a PhD in Biology or related disciplines such as Molecular Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Neuroscience, Microbiology or Developmental Biology. Syracuse University offers a PhD in Biology with research opportunities across several of these areas, allowing students to continue developing their expertise through advanced research and doctoral study.