Biology
Master of Science
Biological knowledge to make a difference
Whether you want to develop new medicines to cure diseases, create crop-enhancing technologies, work for the Environmental Protection Agency, or teach and lead research at a university, an advanced degree in biological sciences will help you get there.
In our program, you will choose one of two degree options: biology or microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry. You will work alongside faculty members who are leading research in reproductive biology, evolution and ecology, neurobiology, or cellular and molecular biology.
You will design and conduct experiments, teach undergraduate students in the classroom and lab and complete courses in professional development and ethical issues in biological research.
Overview
Advanced studies in biology
Application information
Applicants for the master’s in biology program must meet the following degree-specific admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS: 79/6.5/115 (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language; (TOEFL 92 or equivalent is required for teaching fellowship)
- Number of references: Three
- Other requirements: Indicate faculty members you would like to work with in your statement of purpose
Program availability
- Concentration: Thesis
- Semester intake: Fall
- Eligible for international admission
- Deadlines: December 1 for priority consideration
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Contact information
Biological Sciences department contact: Diana Mitchell; dmitchell@uidaho.edu
Graduate Admissions contact: graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu, 208-885-4001
Find Department of Biological Sciences faculty advisor contacts
Costs, funding and research
To learn about various ways to fund your graduate degree, check out Graduate Funding.
For detailed information about the cost of attendance, visit Financial Aid.
Beginning Fall 2026, M.S. students appointed as Teaching Assistants will receive an annual support package that includes:
- Base stipend: $23,368.80 for the 9-month academic year
- In-state tuition: fully covered by the program
- Out-of-state tuition: waived for non-resident students
- Health insurance: fully covered
- Summer support: additional scholarship up to $8,000, depending on funding availability
Degree fit
This degree could be a good fit if you:
- Hold an undergraduate degree in a life or physical science
- Have a strong interest in lab work and data collection
- Have a desire to solve problems and think critically about society’s most pressing issues
Related clubs and organizations
- Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA)
- U of I Environmental Club
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,453 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Natural Sciences Managers • Clinical Research Coordinators • Water Resource Specialists
$152,874 - Bioinformatics Scientists • Molecular and Cellular Biologists • Geneticists • Biologists
$90,412 - Agricultural Technicians • Precision Agriculture Technicians
$43,984 - Food Science Technicians
$47,588 - Biological Technicians
$49,255
* Career data provided by Lightcast.