Overview

The master of science option of the Biology program of Ball State University blends rigorous graduate coursework and intensive research experience that culminates in a master’s-level research thesis. This degree is designed to prepare students for continued study at the doctoral level, but graduates may also use their education to begin a career in research in the public or private sector.

Students pursuing a master of arts (MA) in biology will complete a creative project, research paper or other significant project of their design instead of writing and defending a thesis. This degree is intended to prepare students for careers in biomedical laboratories, natural resource management agencies, scientific supply firms, environmental consulting firms, scientific publishing or other careers, although students can choose to continue their education as well.

Applicants to the master’s degree program in biology should have a solid foundation in the life sciences, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, and baccalaureate degrees with majors or minors in biology or the equivalent. Exceptions may be made by petition to the department. Students entering without adequate background are expected to make up the deficiencies during their first year.

What It’s Like to Earn a Master’s Degree in Biology at Ball State

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Our department stresses hands-on learning opportunities outside the classroom. You’ll have access to many paid and volunteer lab and field-work assignments alongside our faculty, including funded research abroad and national and international conferences.

Teaching-Focused Faculty

Our faculty is focused on providing top-quality, one-on-one instruction to students. Many of our professors also have active laboratories or research areas that employ graduate students with interests in a variety of biological disciplines.

Large Department, But Student Focused

The Department of Biology is the largest department in the College of Sciences and Humanities, and one of the largest at Ball State University. But we keep lab and class sizes small to ensure individualized attention.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Seminar in Biology

Scientific Communication

Advanced Genetics

Population-Community Ecology

Immunology

Biostatistics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-05-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-15 00:00:00 , International

More details

National: Your application must be completed two weeks before the start of the semester you’re planning to enroll.

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Muncie, United States

Disciplines

Biology View 867 other Masters in Biology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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

You must have a bachelor's degree from an institution recognized by a regional accrediting association.

In addition to your application, you will be requested to upload the following materials to your application portal:

Three letters of recommendation

Good letters of recommendation are particularly important if you wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship.

Transcripts showing your complete academic record. You may submit unofficial transcripts at the time of application. Official transcripts will be requested at the time of admission.

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

27918 USD / year

≈ 27918 USD / year
Out-of-State

27918 USD / year

≈ 27918 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10208 USD / year

≈ 10208 USD / year

Living costs

Muncie

United States

876 - 1417 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

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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

What It’s Like to Earn a Master’s Degree in Biology at Ball State

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

Muncie

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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