Published:
Adelphi University has once again been honored for its commitment to supporting the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students in the STEM fields.
Biology Graduate Program
Build a strong foundation for many in-demand careers in biology, biotechnology, the health professions and research with a master’s degree in Biology.
What Can You Do With an MS in Biology?
The master’s degree in Biology can prepare you for research doctoral programs and entrance into professional schools in the health sciences (medicine, dentistry, optometry, podiatry and veterinary medicine). Graduates from the Biology graduate program acquire the tools and skills for successful careers in academia, research, and industry, including careers in biotechnology, biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, conservation, environmental and patent law, and public health. Secondary school biology teachers can use a graduate program to fulfill the requirements of certain tracks for professional certification and/or expand their knowledge base.
Why Get Your Master’s Degree in Biology at Adelphi in New York on Long Island?
- Perform laboratory or field-based research with one of our expert faculty and/or explore scientific research through the primary literature, also under the guidance of our faculty.
- Potentially earn a graduate teaching assistantship, which can cover a major part of your tuition.
- Receive personalized support to guide you toward your future career or educational pathway. Benefit from small class sizes, a personal academic adviser and a dedicated pre-professional adviser
Easy to Apply: Graduate Biology Program
- No minimum GPA – we review all applications on a case-by-case basis.
- No GRE required
- Bachelor’s degree in biology preferred, but other majors accepted if biology courses were taken.
- No deadlines, thanks to our rolling admissions process. Apply without worry, anytime during the calendar year.
- For formal application requirements, see below under Application Requirements.
Our biology faculty are expert researchers who are noted geneticists and molecular biologists, ecologists and evolutionary biologists, physiologists, marine biologists, developmental biologists, paleontologists, microbiologists, and neurobiologists. Their work protects the planet, improves health and contributes to scientific knowledge.
Samuel Sey, a student in the MS in Biology program, won a prestigious Jaggar Community Fellowship from Adelphi and interned as a researcher at Northwell Health.
This program is STEM-designated offering specialized training in high-demand fields and eligible international students can extend their OPT to 36 months.
90%*
* based on Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey: Class of 2022
of our master’s graduates say that Adelphi University increased their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of professionals in their field
based on Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey: Class of 2022
Our graduate program is flexible with personalized guidance. We support your future career in research, industry or the health professions. The program builds on your scientific and experimental/field-based knowledge, aided by faculty who are experts on such diverse topics as aging, animal behavior, bioremediation, cancer, dinosaur physiology, fish evolution, gene evolution, marine biology, neurobiology, plant signaling, skeletal development, spider ecology and xenobiotics.
Alan Schoenfeld, PhD
Professor and Director, Graduate Biology Program
Tracks and Concentrations
Our biology master’s degree (including the biotechnology concentration) features two tracks: a thesis track for students who are interested in conducting laboratory or field-based research or a non-thesis track, which is appropriate for students who are looking to expand their knowledge of the biological sciences through analysis of the primary scientific literature.
Our thesis track is for students who are interested in conducting novel laboratory or field-based research with the potential to be published in scholarly journals.
The non-thesis track is appropriate for students who are looking to expand their knowledge of the biological sciences through analysis of the primary scientific literature.
Optional Concentrations
Within each of the biology master’s program tracks, students may wish to choose an additional concentration of related courses. Selecting a concentration is optional and the courses can be taken within the credits needed for the degree. Only one concentration may be chosen.
Concentration in Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a dynamic and growing field in which the discoveries of modern biology are applied to solve problems in medicine and agriculture. You can explore this field as a concentration to the master’s degree in Biology.
The unique course of study provides a solid foundation in the sciences with training in business to give students the expertise to succeed in both scientific and business environments, including the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The master’s program in Biology includes critical training in laboratory safety, business management and ethics, and 21st century instrumentation and techniques. The required internship in a biotechnology-related company or laboratory offers invaluable firsthand experience.
I chose Adelphi’s MS in Biology because of the flexibility it offers for those pursuing a career in academia/research as well as the health professions. I went into this program hoping to solidify my decision to pursue a career in dentistry, and I was able to take classes and design a thesis that aligned with my goals. I’ve also benefited from the collegial relationship between students and faculty, both of whom are willing to help, even outside of the classroom.
Exceptional Hands-On Learning
Research is a major part of biology education at Adelphi. Students have the opportunity to participate in Adelphi’s Annual Scholarship and Creative Works Conference to showcase their work to faculty and the rest of our community. Biology students have applied their on-campus research knowledge to real-life work settings, with recent internships held at:
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- NYU Langone Hospital Long Island
Our Research Labs
As a member of the graduate biology department, you will have access to our laboratory facilities, which include modern equipment for the study of molecular and cell biology (including tissue culture), physiology and genetics, as well as equipment for field research in marine biology, ecology and animal behavior.
Program Info
Courses and Requirements
Application Requirements
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in biology or related field and should submit the following application requirements:
- Graduate application and $60 fee
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Official transcripts from all prior institutions and proof of bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution
- International students have additional requirements.
Admissions
Awards & Recognition
Abound
Adelphi has been recognized among the nation’s top professional graduate degree programs by Abound: Grad School for providing affordable and flexible options, accessibility to professors and campus support services, opportunities to accelerate graduation, and prep for sustained career growth.
A Top Grad School
Wall Street Journal/College Pulse
Adelphi is the highest-ranked university on Long Island in the 2025 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse Best Colleges. It also ranks #7 in New York, with outstanding scores for student outcomes including graduation rate and salary impact.
Ranked one of the best
Insight Into Academia
Adelphi University has been named a 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award—demonstrating an outstanding commitment to access, diversity and inclusion in STEM.
Our STEM Programs
U.S. News & World Report
Adelphi University has been named a Best College among National Universities for seven consecutive years. Adelphi remains the top-ranked private university on Long Island.
A Best College
Colleges of Distinction: Career Development
Adelphi University has been recognized as a Career Development college for the exceptional way in which our institution is equipping students with the skills to succeed in their lifelong career journey.
Expert Career Guidance
Colleges of Distinction: International
Adelphi University has been given International Recognition by the Colleges of Distinction. This newest honor from the organization honors universities that “dedicate resources to supporting international students at every stage of their academic journey.”
Top Ranked in Global Belonging
Times Higher Education
Adelphi ranked in the top 4 percent of universities in the nation by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, receiving the highest scores in academic reputation and international outlook.
Global Recognition
Location
Science Building 119
Contact
Phone Number
Fax
More Info
Location
Nexus Building First Floor
Hours
Connect