DePaul University

The Biological Sciences MS is a versatile degree that’s ideal for those who plan to teach, research or pursue a PhD. Become a well-rounded biologist through a combination of lecture, laboratory and seminar courses. Work on cutting-edge research in labs alongside your peers and professors—and develop your own concentration of studies under the mentorship of your faculty advisor.

Classes take place on the Lincoln Park Campus and are typically held in the daytime.

For international students: this is a STEM-designated program, which can qualify you to extend your post-graduation stay in the United States.

Study with Jalene LaMontagne, a population ecologist who has worked in terrestrial and aquatic systems as well as forests from the Arctic to urban Chicago. Jalene and her students study tree reproduction in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan and the impacts of urbanization on habitat availability and use here in Chicago. She is also an Adjunct Scientist with the Lincoln Park Zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute.

Completed applications will be reviewed beginning February 12.

The graduate program in biology provides an inviting, inclusive and integrative experience for students. We encourage applications from students with diverse interests and backgrounds and provide an environment in which this type of diversity can flourish.

To be eligible for the Master of Science in Biological Sciences program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field from a regionally accredited institution or be in the process of completing the bachelor's degree. Additionally, applicants should have the following:

• One year of General Biology (required)
• Once course in statistics (preferred)
• One year of General Chemistry (preferred)

Note: The course requirements listed above provide the baseline of courses needed to join the program. We suggest that applicants contact individual faculty members in their areas(s) of research interest to determine if additional courses may be preferred for specific research areas.

There is no GRE requirement.

To apply, please submit the following:

• A completed online application
• Official transcripts from all previous college course work (minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
• Three letters of recommendation from science professors, preferably biology
• A personal statement that explains your interest in the biological sciences graduate program at DePaul. The statement should specify your career goals and any specific area of interest.

Students educated outside the United States must present proof of English proficiency. The program requires a minimum TOEFL score of 96 on the TOEFL iBT, 243 on the computer-based test or 590 on the paper-based test. A minimum of 7.5 on the IELTS may be submitted for this requirement.

For additional information for international students please visit our International Student Admission Process page.