CMU biology students use nets to collect specimens from Lake Michigan. CMU biology students use nets to collect specimens from Lake Michigan.

Biology
Master's

Michigan: A biologists dream laboratory

Our biology labs are as big as the Great Lakes. Literally. See how much you can accomplish when your research program has its own biological station on Lake Michigan, is a recognized expert in preserving wetlands, and is surrounded by biodiversity fueled by four distinct seasons and the longest freshwater shoreline in the world.

AT A GLANCE

Degree Type
Master of Science (M.S.)
Format
On Campus
Credit Hours
30 Credit Hours
Go To Why This Program Program HighlightsAccelerated Program Careers & Outcomes

Why choose CMU for your master's in biology?

At CMU, a master’s degree in biology is more than just coursework. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a community of passionate scientists, guided by world-class faculty and equipped with cutting-edge resources. Whether you’re fascinated by microbes, inspired by conservation efforts or eager to further understand any number of living organisms, our program empowers you to make an impact.

Here's what sets CMU apart from the rest:

Unrivialed research opportunities

  • Work where science thrives: CMU is among the top 10% of U.S. research institutions with a prestigious Carnegie research classification. Imagine working alongside faculty on advanced research in cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, physiology and more.
  • A biological station like no other: Research Michigan's natural ecosystems at CMU’s Biological Station on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan. Explore cedar swamps, traverse sand dunes or take to the water aboard our MV Chippewa research vessel.
  • State-of-the-art facilities: Our four-story, 169,000-square-foot Biosciences Building features a vivarium, herbarium, microscopy labs and the resources you need to push scientific boundaries.

Program options tailored to you

We understand every student’s goals are unique. That’s why we offer two program tracks designed to meet your goals:

  1. Thesis option (Plan A): Perfect for those pursuing research-focused careers or further academic studies. You’ll focus on conducting meaningful research and writing a thesis, all while collaborating directly with faculty mentors.
  2. Non-Thesis option (Plan B): Ideal for those targeting professional roles, this 36-credit option emphasizes applied learning through minor research or independent study.

Courses What Will Transfer DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

What you'll experience at CMU

  • Learning beyond the classroom: Here, the lab transcends traditional boundaries. Whether you’re analyzing data from our biological station or studying samples from Lake Michigan, you’ll apply your knowledge in real-world environments.
  • Support from day one: Faculty who care, peers who inspire, and a community passionate about science and discovery.
  • A career-boosting degree: Graduates from our program step into roles as conservationists, researchers, government specialists, and more. Many also pursue advanced degrees, carving out their place as leaders in biology.

Concentrations

Filter Concentrations by Location:
Careers protecting the environment start here. Learn the latest field techniques and conduct research at our new Biosciences Building or our biological station on Beaver Island. When you graduate with a concentration in conservation biology, you'll be ready for a career at a conservation agency or in government, or to pursue a Ph.D.

Accelerated biology degree

Get where you want to go faster with an accelerated master’s program. You may be able to double-count 15 credits with Plan A or 18 credits with Plan B.

By double-counting all 15 credits in Plan A, domestic students save up to $4,155 and international students save up to $1,560. By double-counting all 18 credits in Plan B, domestic students save up to $4,986 and international students save up to $1,872.

    • Minimum GPA at time of application: 3.0 GPA of at least 15 credits at CMU.
    • Requirements to maintain eligibility: average of 3.0 and no E's in double-counted courses.

    If your GPA is lower than a 3.0 or you have fewer than 15 credits at CMU, you can still be considered for admission if you demonstrate why you are prepared to be successful in graduate coursework.

    You must have a minimum of 60 undergraduate credit hours completed before starting coursework in the accelerated M.S. in Biology. To take full advantage of the program, make sure you apply for admission before taking any of the double-counted courses listed below.

    • Up to 15 credits for Plan A and 18 credits for Plan B of the following courses can be double-counted:
      • Any 500- or 600-level BIO course.  Other 500- or 600-level courses relevant to the student’s thesis research with other designators (e.g., GEO, MAT, STA, CHM, etc.) with approval of the student’s faculty advisor and committee.
    • You should complete these undergraduate requirements before admission to this accelerated program:
      • BIO 111, BIO 112, and BIO 211 or BIO 213
    • You can earn a maximum of 15 undergraduate credits for Plan A and 18 undergraduate credits for Plan B to double-count towards your graduate degree. These courses will be used towards major or general electives.

    After completing the undergraduate degree, students will need to take a minimum number of credits to complete the M.S, in Biology as outlined below:

    • Plan A, and Plan A with conservation concentration: Students will need to take a minimum of 15 credits to complete the M.S. in Biology. If students do not earn 15 double-counted credits prior to completing the undergraduate degree, they will need more than 15 credits to reach the total 30 credits required for the M.S. in Biology.
      • Plan B: Students will need to take a minimum of 12 credits to complete the M.S. in Biology. If students do not earn 18 double-counted credits prior to completing the undergraduate degree, they will need more than 18 credits to reach the total 30 credits required for the M.S. in Biology.

      Career paths in biology

      An M.S. in Biology will equip you to start a career in the lab or the field.

      Career Projected Salary
      Biologist $72,860
      Research Scientist $100,590
      Natural Science Research Director $80,060
      A researcher looks through a microscope at a slide.
      Drone photo of Central Michigan University's Biosciences Building on a sunny fall day.

      CMU biology student's work on canabalism in mouthbrooding fish nationally recognized

      A love of fish led CMU graduate student, Jake Sawecki to discover the surprising way some African cichlid fish relieve the stress of mouthbrooding their young. His research has been featured in National Geographic, New Scientist, Smithsonian Magazine and the Canadian national news show “As It Happens.”

      Read Jake's story

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