Biology MS | Temple University

Master of Science in Biology

Gain broad preparation in major biological research topics through a variety of advanced seminars and coursework with the Master of Science in Biology in Temple's College of Science and Technology. Graduates with this degree are prepareed for a career in scientific research or teaching.

In this intensive program, graduate students will work closely with College of Science and Technology faculty members to develop a body of research. Faculty members specialize in areas including aquatic and terrestrial ecology, biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics, among others. Throughout your studies, you will be afforded the option to choose to focus on specializations and research areas including

cellular and molecular neuroscience;
computational biology, focusing on computational evolutionary genomics;
ecology;
evolutionary medicine, an interdisciplinary field that examines contemporary human disease within the larger context of evolutionary history;
genetic epidemiology, an interdisciplinary field that examines the impact of genetic and environmental factors on modern human disease;
molecular, cellular and developmental biology; and
population genetics, a subfield of genetics and evolutionary biology which examines genetic change over time within and between populations.

Learn more about the Department of Biology’s research areas.

You may also take advantage of interdisciplinary options for coursework and research with other Temple University departments, including Biochemistry, Computer Science, Engineering and Physics. Faculty from the Biology Department participate in special interdisciplinary programs, including the Center for Computational Genetics and Genomics and the Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine.

Classes & Curriculum

The Master of Science in Biology is oriented toward students who wish to deepen their knowledge of the biological sciences and pursue particular research interests. The degree can help you prepare for a career in the sciences or lay the groundwork for further academic study in a doctoral program. If you are more interested in technical training and careers in industry, you may want to consider the Biotechnology Professional Science Master's.

The program is full time, and students have three years to earn a degree. Classes take place on Temple’s Main Campus, where the biology labs and facilities are located.

Classes are a blend of research and seminar courses, some of which include

Developmental Genetics,
Genomics in Medicine,
Molecular Biology and
Systems Neuroscience.

Learn more about required courses for the Biology MS.

Related Graduate Degrees

*College of Engineering

Related Graduate Certificates

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Science offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,353.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,765.00 per credit

You can view the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Our Advisors

Faculty advisors can help you navigate your program and discuss research opportunities. There are two graduate advisors for the Department of Biology.

Tonia Hsieh is an associate professor and the graduate chair in the Department of Biology.
Phone: 215-204-0617
Email: tonia.hsieh@temple.edu

Sandhya Verma is the graduate administrator in the Department of Biology.
Phone: 215-204-8854
Email: sandhya.verma@temple.edu

Program Contact

Student Clubs & Organizations

If you can find the time to participate while meeting the demands of your degree program, student clubs offer valuable opportunities to meet fellow graduate students, researchers and professionals from science- and technology-related industries.

Clubs and organizations for students pursuing a Biology degree include

the Alliance for Minority Participation in STEM, which works to increase opportunities for students and help them complete their undergraduate and graduate degrees in STEM.
the Biology Graduate Student Society, an organization that develops professional and leadership skills in doctoral students as well as encourages them to participate in public outreach.
Leadership, Education and Development in Science, an organization that empowers Philadelphia middle school students to form an interest in STEM through science experiments and mentors.

Explore the full list of College of Science and Technology student clubs and organizations.

Study Away

If the demands of your degree program allow it, consider spending a summer or semester overseas building international connections with researchers from other countries. Temple’s study abroad program offers College of Science and Technology students opportunities to spend a summer or semester studying in China, Germany, Italy, South Korea or Taiwan. Learn more about your study abroad options.

Accreditation

ST-BIOL-MS

Additional Program Information

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