Launch Your Career in Biomedicine
Earn an MS in Biological Sciences in as little as two years.
Master's in Biological Sciences
Through advanced coursework, interdisciplinary research and experiential learning, this program trains tomorrow’s leading-edge scientists in genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell and developmental biology, neurobiology, environmental sciences, biotechnology, genomics, proteomics, protein interaction networks, and bioinformatics.
Students in the Master of Biological Sciences program have the opportunity to immerse themselves in thesis-driven individualized research in their area of interest.
Program Highlights
- Opportunities to conduct and present your research, gaining valuable skills as a future scientist.
- Conduct hands-on research through internships at top institutions like
The Buck Institute and BioMarin. - Graduates are well-equipped to pursue careers in PhD, MD, or pharmacy programs.
- Internship opportunities with the Buck Institute, BioMarin, and the SENS Research Foundation (SRF)
Dr. Protas uses genetic, molecular, and developmental techniques to answer evolutionary questions about cave animals.
Dr. Meredith Protas, Biological Sciences Director
A bachelor’s degree in Biology or its equivalent from a regionally accredited institution of higher education is required to apply to our graduate programs.
- Completed Application — Apply now!
- Official Transcript(s)
Official transcript of coursework from each college or university attended (undergraduate and graduate). Find complete instructions on how to submit your transcripts to Dominican here. - GPA of 3.0
A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 is required for the last 60 units of graded undergraduate or graduate course work.
Students who received their undergraduate degrees from an institution outside the United States must have credentials evaluated by a third-party evaluation service. The agency must submit an official report to Dominican verifying credentials. Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for further instructions. - Resume
- Statement of Purpose or Intent
A statement between 300 and 800 words describing why you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree. - Two Letters of Recommendation
Academic or professional, on letterhead. - Prerequisite Requirements
- Biology. Two semesters.
- Calculus. Two semesters, comparable to Dominican’s MATH 1600 and 1700
- Physics. Two semesters, comparable to Dominican’s PHYS 2000 and 2100
- Organic Chemistry. Two semesters, comparable to Dominican’s CHEM 3800 and 3900
- Biochemistry. One semester, comparable to Dominican’s CHEM 4100
- Statistics. One semester, comparable to Dominican’s MATH 2400
- Personal Interview
Applicants who have been selected to continue on in the application process will be invited to interview at BioMarin or the Buck Institute. -
Optional — GRE Record
An official copy of general Graduate Record Examination scores may be submitted (GRE code 4284). -
International Applicants
International candidates must meet additional admissions requirements.
Competency in the above subjects may be demonstrated by either completion of a college course with a grade of "B" (3.0), successfully testing out of a course through challenge exams, or completion of Dominican’s core competency courses. The Department Chair will make the determination regarding a candidate’s core competency requirements. Students who need the core competencies may be concurrently enrolled at Dominican in the MS program and in a core competency course. The following courses are considered co-requisites: MATH 1700, PHYS 2100, CHEM 3900, and MATH 2400. These must be taken in the first two semesters of the program.
2023-2024 Tuition and Fees
Full-Time Track
| Semester | Fall 1 | Spring 1 | Fall 2 | Spring 2 | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Rate Per Unit* | $1,130 | $1,130 | $1,130 | $1,130 | |
| Enrollment | 9 units | 9 units | 9 units | 9 units | 36 units |
| Total Tuition | $10,170 | $10,170 | $10,170 | $10,170 | $40,680 |
| Campus Comp Fee | $210 | $210 | $210 | $210 | $840 |
| Technology Fee | $62.50 | $62.50 | $62.50 | $62.50 | $250 |
| Graduate Activities Fee | $87 | $87 | $87 | $87 | $348 |
| Total Cost | $10,529.50 | $10,529.50 | $10,529.50 | $10,529.50 | $42,118 |
Half-Time Track
| Semester | Fall 1 | Spring 1 | Fall 2 | Spring 2 | Fall 3 | Spring 3 | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Rate Per Unit* | $1,130 | $1,130 | $1,130 | $1,130 | $1,130 | $1,130 | |
| Enrollment | 6 units | 6 units | 6 units | 6 units | 6 units | 6 units | 36 units |
| Total Tuition | $6,780 | $6,780 | $6,780 | $6,780 | $6,780 | $6,780 | $40,680 |
| Campus Comp Fee | $210 | $210 | $210 | $210 | $210 | $210 | $1,260 |
| Technology Fee | $62.50 | $62.50 | $62.50 | $62.50 | $62.50 | $62.50 | $375 |
| Graduate Activities Fee | $87 | $87 | $87 | $87 | $87 | $87 | $522 |
| Total Cost | $7,139.50 | $7,139.50 | $7,139.50 | $7,139.50 | $7,139.50 | $7,139.50 | $42,837 |
Scholarships
Scholarships and grants are types of aid that do not have to be repaid and that can help to directly reduce your tuition expenses.
| Scholarships | Eligibility Requirement | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Excellence Scholarship | 3.55 - 4.0 GPA | 30% of tuition |
| Departmental Scholarship | 3.35 - 3.54 GPA | 20% of tuition |
| Graduate Scholarship | 3.25 - 3.34 GPA | 10% of tuition |
To view more information on tuition and aid, click here.
Below you will find some of the courses you would be taking as a Biological Sciences student:
- Graduate Seminar: I-IV
- Graduate Research Methodology
- Advanced Molecular Biotechnology
- Advanced Biochemistry
- Master's Thesis
- Graduate Research: I-VII
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