The Master of Arts (MA) in Biological Sciences is a coursework only degree designed for individuals who wish to enhance their knowledge of foundational concepts in Biological Sciences and gain practical hands-on training in controlled laboratory exercises, data analysis, and presentation as well as scientific-pedagogical practices. This degree does not require the traditional intensive commitment to data-driven research that is the hallmark of the Master of Science (MS) degree in Biology.

The Master of Sciences (MS) in Biological Sciences is a research-intensive degree designed to prepare students for careers in the life sciences or further training in preparation for pursuing a Ph.D. in the biological sciences. Students are required to conduct their own independent research while participating in either the Plan I (with thesis) or Plan II (without thesis) degree tracks leading to the MS in Biological Sciences.

The Master of Science (MS) in Marine Science (also referred to as Master of Marine Science; MMS) is a research-intensive degree designed to prepare students for careers in marine science or further training in preparation for pursuing a Ph.D. in the biological or marine sciences. The graduate Marine Science Program is a dual-campus program of the Department of Biological Sciences at The University of Alabama and University programs at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, a facility of the Alabama Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium.

Students are required to conduct their own independent research while participating in either the Plan I (with thesis) or Plan II (without thesis) degree tracks leading to the MS in Marine Science.

The PhD program is an intensive, research-based curriculum that builds on the strengths of the master’s degree program by concentrating on a particular research emphasis led by one of our many diverse faculty members. The doctoral program is designed to prepare graduates with the skills needed to move easily into either academic or non-academic positions.

The Accelerated Master’s Program is intended for gifted and highly motivated candidates for bachelor’s degrees at The University of Alabama. In the Biological Sciences AMP program, students apply to begin graduate study in their senior year. Although AMP students will typically complete the requirements for the bachelor’s degree prior to the graduate degree, such a program may lead to simultaneous completion of requirements for both graduate and bachelor’s degrees.

The BSC AMP requires a minimum GPA of 3.7 and the commitment of a faculty advisor to serve as mentor. Find more information on the UA Graduate School’s AMP page.