Overview

The Biology Master’s Degree Program at Harvard University provides students with a rigorous academic foundation in the life sciences while offering the flexibility of online learning. This programme is designed to help professionals develop advanced critical thinking skills and practical research expertise to address modern biological challenges. Students engage with a curriculum that bridges theoretical knowledge and real-world application in fields such as genetics and molecular biology.

Why Biology at Harvard University?

Choosing this programme means joining a world-class academic community with access to exceptional resources and faculty. Students benefit from the Harvard Innovation Labs and the Mignone Centre for Career Success, ensuring they are well-supported throughout their studies. The unique hybrid format combines high-quality digital coursework with an immersive on-campus experience in Cambridge, allowing for direct networking with peers and distinguished instructors. Graduates also gain lifelong membership to the global Harvard Alumni Association, connecting them with over 400,000 professionals worldwide.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 3440 per module
National fee: USD 3440 per module
Local fee: USD 3440 per module

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 12 graduate courses, including a choice between a research-focused thesis track or a collaborative capstone track. Modules may include:

Cell Biology
Genomics
Evolution
Genetics
Neurobiology
Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology
Statistics
Graduate Studies in Biology

Careers with Biology

Graduates of this programme are prepared for high-level roles across the biotechnology, healthcare, and research sectors. Many alumni secure positions at leading global organisations, including Pfizer, Moderna, Merck, and the Broad Institute. Common job titles for former students include Molecular Technologist, Senior Research Technician, Clinical Research Coordinator, and Biomedical Engineer. Additionally, the programme serves as a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue doctoral studies in specialised fields such as oncology, neuroscience, or public health at top-tier research institutions.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The degree assumes an academic background in biology (e.g., Molecular and Cellular Biology and Organismic and Evolutionary Biology) and laboratory research experience.

Proseminar

5 biology courses

1 biology seminar

1 statistics course

1 elective

Crafting the Thesis Proposal

Master’s Thesis part one

Master's Thesis part two

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

125

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Credits

48 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Biology View 848 other Masters in Biology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To begin the admission process, you simply register—no application required—for the following three, four-credit, graduate-level degree courses:

BIOS 200 Proseminar: Introduction to Graduate Studies and Scholarly Writing in the Biological Sciences
1 biology course

1 biology course or elective (e.g., EXPO 42c)
Before you enroll in any degree-applicable courses, you must possess a four-year regionally accredited US bachelor's degree. You cannot already have or be in the process of earning a master's degree in Biology or a related field. Foreign bachelor’s degrees must be evaluated, and the Admissions Office makes final determinations about eligibility.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module
Out-of-State

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Biology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Cambridge

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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