Overview

Western Carolina University’s graduate-level biology programs gives students the chance to study courses like molecular biology, ecological genetics and microbial ecology while working toward completion of a thesis. The Biology Department has advanced research technology, an herbarium with more than 25,000 species and state-of-the-art lab equipment.

It is also home to the Southern Appalachian Biodiversity and Ecology center, a collaborative organization focused on ecology and biotic diversity in the western region. WCU is also located near the Wolf Creek Biological Preserve, Highlands Biological Station, Blue Ridge Parkway and three National Forests proving a truly immersive research experiences for students.

Where You'll Go

Western Carolina University is proud to have its Biology graduate alumni working at a range of universities, research facilities, high schools and medical facilities across Western North Carolina and the world.

The graduate program prepares students for jobs working in national forests as environmental managers; as educators at universities, museums and zoos; conducting field research in exotic locations and a number of other exciting possibilities. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states the average salary for biochemists and biophysicists is $81,480 and the average salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Cellular and Molecular Immunology

Principles of General Microbiology

Plant Physiology

Plant Molecular Biology

Biochemistry

Advanced Techniques in Microscopy

Cell Biology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cullowhee, United States

Disciplines

Biology View 867 other Masters in Biology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

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

To be eligible for consideration the applicant should have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 (out of 4.00) or higher and an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Biology or related life science from an accredited College or University.
Application materials: a statement including the names of two faculty whose research is of interest; three letters of reference; unofficial transcripts.

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

21444 USD / year

≈ 21444 USD / year
Out-of-State

21444 USD / year

≈ 21444 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10724 USD / year

≈ 10724 USD / year

Living costs

Cullowhee

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

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

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.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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

Where You'll Go

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

Cullowhee

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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