About Master’s Program,
The Department of Biological Sciences maintains an active graduate program leading to the master of science degree in biological sciences and offers opportunities for original work in a wide variety of fields, including animal behavior, biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, ecology, environmental science, evolutionary biology, genetics, marine biology, microbiology, molecular biology, neurobiology, plant sciences and physiology.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
The master’s program in biological sciences continues and enhances the undergraduate foundation of a number of academic disciplines, including biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, and environmental science and policy. This program focuses on modern methods in both laboratory and field research and requires students to design and implement a thesis demonstrating sophisticated experimental and conceptual approaches to substantive questions in the biological sciences.
Over the course of the program, students are expected to develop:
- A deep knowledge of a life sciences subdiscipline through a faculty-mentored research project.
- The ability to think critically and design rigorous experiments.
- The ability to collect, organize and analyze data.
- Laboratory and/or field research skills using sophisticated instrumentation.
- Read, synthesize and critique primary research articles in their field.
- Enhanced skills in writing and public speaking through presentations in classes, campus research symposia and at regional or national scientific meetings.
With a rich array of courses and access to extensive research resources, graduate students in biological sciences reinforce and expand their knowledge and the experience they need to continue successful careers in the life sciences.
Master’s Funding Coverage,
The Biological Sciences Master’s Program is fully funded: accepted students receive a tuition waiver and an academic year stipend in exchange for work in the department as a teaching fellow assisting with laboratory courses. Students are also eligible for summer stipends and research support.
A student admitted to Smith’s Master of Science in Biological Sciences program will be awarded a teaching or research fellowship. A fellowship includes a full tuition waiver, a monthly stipend, and summer support.
Visit the Tuition & Financial Aid website for financial aid deadlines and information and instructions on how to apply.
Application Requirement,
- Common Application or Coalition Application
- Secondary School Report, including official high school transcript
- Counselor Recommendation
- Two Teacher Evaluation Forms
- Midyear Report
- Early Decision Agreement (if applicable)
Application Deadline,
Jan 15, 2026
Application Fee,
Application fee $60
