The 成人大片鈥檚 Master of Arts (M.A.) in Biology and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology offer students a rigorous and research-driven education designed to prepare them for careers in science, education, biotechnology, environmental management, and beyond. Whether pursuing a Master of Arts (M.A.) with a broader interdisciplinary focus or a Master of Science (M.S.) with an emphasis on research and technical expertise, students benefit from small class sizes, hands-on lab and field experiences, and close mentorship from dedicated faculty.
From Lab to Career Success
Prepare for your future with practical lab experience and career-focused training that opens doors in research, healthcare, environmental science, and biotechnology fields.

Program Overview
Master of Arts in Biology
The Master of Arts in Biology at the College of Arts and Sciences is a 36-credit-hour non-thesis program designed for current and prospective science teachers, as well as professionals working in environmental agencies. This program is ideal for students who seek to advance their understanding of biological principles and theories without a research focus.
Emphasizing a broad, interdisciplinary approach, the M.A. in Biology prepares students for careers in education, environmental policy, and science communication. The flexible curriculum combines classroom learning with applied knowledge in areas such as ecology, conservation, and ecological science, equipping graduates with skills to address real-world challenges.
Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field and have completed at least 12 credit hours of upper-level undergraduate biology courses, ensuring a solid foundation for graduate study.
Master of Science in Biology
The Master of Science in Biology at the College of Arts and Sciences trains graduate students in current biological theories and techniques, preparing them for research careers, doctoral studies, or professional advancement. The 36-credit-hour program offers concentrations in ecology/environmental biology, microbiology/molecular biology, and coastal and marine biology.
Students can choose between a thesis track, focused on independent research and ideal for those pursuing a Ph.D., and a non-thesis track, designed for students aiming for technical roles in biomedical and biotechnology fields. Both tracks provide rigorous training and require a bachelor’s degree in a related field, along with at least 12 credit hours of upper-level undergraduate biology coursework.
Master of Science Concentrations
- Ecology/Environmental Biology
- Microbiology/Molecular Biology
- Coastal and Marine Biology
Program Contact
Graduate Program DirectorCollege of Arts and Sciences
Program At-a-Glance

Application Deadlines
Deadlines may vary for specific programs and are subject to change.
International Applicant Deadlines
International Applicant Deadlines
- Fall: March 1
- Spring: October 1
- Fall: March 1
- Spring: November 15
Additional Deadlines
Fall: July 1 - Master of Art (M.A.)
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Admissions Requirements
The below Program Requirements, University Requirements, and International Applicant Requirements*, if applicable, must be submitted no later than the deadline posted above. Incomplete applications or those with required materials post-marked after the deadline are subject to cancellation. Once an application has been canceled, the decision cannot be reversed.
*International students must be fully admitted to a full-time, on-campus, in-person, degree-seeking program at the 成人大片. Please contact the International Center for more information.
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University Requirements
University Requirements
Application and Application Fee
Prospective students are required to use our online system to create an account and submit an application. The application opens approximately one year in advance and is only good for the term and program in which it is submitted. Applicants who have submitted their application and wish to change their admission term or major/concentration may submit a new application and associated application fee. If you would like to cancel an open application, please contact us.
A $30 (USD) application fee is required regardless of previous enrollment. The application fee is non-refundable and cannot be waived. Undergraduate application fees cannot be used for a graduate application, and vise versa. The application fee must be submitted prior to the review of an application.
Current students who would like to add or change a major, concentration or certificate should submit the Change of Concentration or Major form.
College Transcripts
All applicants must provide transcripts from a U.S. institution accredited by an accepted institutional accreditor or its equivalent from a non-US institution that awarded the bachelor’s degree and master’s degree, if applicable, and transcripts from institutions where any post-baccalaureate and/or graduate credits were earned.
All admits must provide official transcripts.
All international transcripts will require a course-by-course evaluation by an approved third-party credential evaluation agency unless a graduate program has established an alternative credential evaluation procedure that is approved by the graduate school. To be accepted, the evaluation must be:
- Translated to English and be the U.S. equivalent
- Evaluated course-by-course
- Include the overall academic GPA
- Be from an . Recommended evaluation agencies:
- SpanTran. They have created a custom application for 成人大片that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate. You can access their application through the portal.
Important Notes
- The 成人大片Graduate School cannot request transcripts on an applicants behalf.
- Unofficial transcript copies are accepted for admissions but must clearly state the institution name, student name, course information, terms, grades, and credits. Degree audits are not accepted. Admitted students will be prompted to provide official transcripts.
- If currently enrolled in courses, an incomplete transcript must be submitted before the posted deadline.
- Applicants who also have to apply through systems such as ATCAS or PTCAS, must submit separate transcripts to UNF.
- Official transcripts must:
- Must be less than one year old from the date of printing
- Must be submitted in a sealed envelope from your institution, or emailed through official electronic means.
- When requesting college transcripts, please verify with your institution(s) whether or not they are able to submit electronic transcripts in the proper EDI format. Institutions can submit transcripts via e-mail to graduateschool@unf.edu from an approved vendor such as ScriptSafe, Credentials, or Parchment.
- Former or current 成人大片students should not request 成人大片transcripts. After application submission, the 成人大片requirement will be updated to a "waived" status.
Where Do I Send Transcripts and Test Scores?
Mail
成人大片Graduate School
1 成人大片Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224Email
Test Score Institutional Codes
GRE: institutional code 5490
GMAT: institutional code CF3QB51 -
Program Specific Requirements
Program Requirements
Master of Art (M.A.) Specific Requirements
- Letter of intent
- Describe educational and professional goals
- Three letters of recommendation
- Must be from faculty members, or professional references, familiar with applicants academic or research potential
- 3.0 GPA in biology or related major for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
Master of Art (M.A.) Program Prerequisites
Applicants must hold the B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Science Education, or equivalent degree from a nationally (or internationally) accredited university or institution.
Master of Science (M.S.) Specific Requirements
- Letter of intent
- Describe educational and professional goals
- Indicate provisional acceptance into an eligible faculty mentor's lab
- Indicate consideration for a departmental GTA position
- Three letters of recommendation
- Must be from faculty members, or professional references, familiar with applicants academic or research potential
- 3.0 GPA in biology or related major for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
- Identification of research advisor and confirmation of provisional acceptance into that advisor’s lab
- Letter of intent
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International Applicant Requirements