College of Arts and Sciences
Biology (M.S.)
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology (M.S.)
From Cells to Ecosystems — Earn Your M.S. in Biology at NMSU.
At NMSU’s Department of Biology, the M.S. in Biology offers a flexible, research-driven degree designed for students ready to deepen their biological knowledge and laboratory skills. Whether you choose the thesis track or a non-thesis option, you’ll engage in rigorous coursework, rotating through labs and working alongside faculty to conduct field or lab-based research. With emphases available in areas such as behavioral, ecological & evolutionary biology, cell and organismal biology, and microbiology, the program prepares you for diverse roles in science, education, and industry.
Admission Deadlines
September 1 for spring admission and December 15 for fall admission.
- Total credits: 30
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
Graduates of the M.S. in Biology are equipped for a range of meaningful careers where analytical thinking, research, and biological insight matter. Possible career paths include:
- Research scientist or laboratory specialist in pharmaceuticals, biotech, or environmental firms
- Wildlife or conservation biologist working with government agencies or NGOs
- Environmental consultant or ecologist managing restoration or monitoring projects
- Technical specialist or data analyst in microbiology, genetics, or cellular biology
- Educator or outreach coordinator in science museums, botanical institutions or K–12 programs
- Preparation for Ph.D. study or academic research roles
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Science in Biology? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose a M.S. in Biology at NMSU?
Choosing NMSU’s M.S. in Biology means you’ll join a research-active department that offers early access to graduate research, meaningful faculty mentorship, and hands-on experience in diverse biological systems. With the option for lab rotations in your first semester and a structure designed to support your growth and productivity, you’ll develop both foundational knowledge and applied skills that employers and doctoral programs value.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
The Master of Science degree can be obtained through either a thesis option or a non-thesis option. Both options require 30 credits of course work.
Non-Thesis Option: The non-thesis option includes two formal course requirements and can be completed as an accelerated (one-year) program concentrating in biotechnology or through an individual degree plan in consultation with the student's Master of Science committee.
Thesis Option: There are three formal course requirements for the MS thesis option. For research toward the Master of Science degree, students can choose among the Department's three areas of emphasis:
- Behavioral, Ecological and Evolutionary Biology
The Behavioral, Ecological and Evolutionary Biology program is appropriate for graduate students who wish to specialize in areas of biology that study the various processes that encompass the behavior, ecology, and evolution of living and extinct taxa. - Cell and Organismal Biology
The Cell and Organismal Biology program is appropriate for all Graduate students who wish to emphasize those areas of biology that integrate function and structure in cells, tissues, and organisms. This emphasis focuses in faculty areas of expertise in cell and molecular biology, neurobiology, developmental biology, and physiology. - Microbiology
The Microbiology curriculum is appropriate for graduate students who wish to specialize in areas of biology that study the various processes that occur in microbes (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists) such as their physiology, ecology, development or evolution.
Take classes like:
- BIOL 510 – Current Topics in Biology
- BIOL 540 – Science and Ethics.
- BIOL 459 - Darwinism Versus Creationism
- BIOL 479 - Medical Microbiology
This is an accelerated (one-year) non-thesis Master of Science degree in Biology that focuses on biotechnology. The program requires 30 hours of course work. The courses in this program are designed to prepare students for biotechnology-related careers in basic and applied research; in product development and testing; and in policy-making, regulation and law enforcement. The program of study includes practical training in molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics, statistical analysis, business, bioethics and professional development skills.
Take classes like:
- BIOL 510 – Current Topics in Biology
- BIOL 540 – Science and Ethics.
- MGMT 503 - Organizational Behavior and Management Processes
- BIOL 566 - Advanced Bioinformatics and NCBI Database
- BIOL 479 - Medical Microbiology
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.