Biology - MA, MS

Biology students at Saint Louis University have access to excellent facilities on campus and at the University's Reis Biological Station. Collaborations with neighboring institutions such as Washington University in St. Louis, University of Missouri St. Louis, Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Zoo and Danforth Plant Science Center further expand possibilities for research and learning.

The Master of Arts in Biology is designed to prepare graduates for further training or for careers in academic, private or government sectors. The program emphasizes coursework and does not require a thesis. Students applying generally desire to broaden their knowledge or become more competitive in seeking employment or gaining admission into a health science program (medical school, dentistry school, etc.). The program requires at least 30 credits.

Students applying to the M.S. program may do so for reasons similar to those applying to the M.A. program — a desire to prepare for further training or for careers in academic, private or government sectors —​ however, they also want to gain experience in laboratory research, including experimental design, interpretation of data and scientific writing. SLU's Master of Science in Biology degree requires a formal research project and thesis, and is excellent preparation for continued graduate studies at the doctoral level or for employment at environmental, industrial or research companies. The program requires at least 30 credits, six credits of which may be thesis research.