MA (SMP) in Biological Sciences
A flexible master’s program built around your goals
The Biological Sciences MA Special Master’s Program at the University at Buffalo is designed for students who want advanced science training without locking into a single path too early. With a customizable curriculum, strong faculty mentorship and a required research project, the program supports students preparing for professional school, exploring research or strengthening their academic profile for what comes next.
This program is built for students who want options, support and momentum while maintaining academic rigor.
Students choose the MA because it allows them to:
- Design a personalized curriculum with guidance from a faculty advisor
- Take graduate-level courses across UB, including medicine, dentistry and public health
- Complete a faculty-mentored research or scholarly project
- Progress at a pace that supports employment, clinical experiences or exam preparation
- Join a collaborative community of graduate students and mentors
The result is a degree that strengthens both academic preparation and professional direction.
The MA Special Master’s Program combines flexible graduate coursework with a required research or scholarly project. Students move through the program at a pace that fits their goals while building confidence, skills and academic depth that translate across science and health-related careers.
In this program, you will:
- Complete graduate-level coursework tailored to your interests
- Work closely with a faculty advisor to plan your academic path
- Conduct a research or scholarly project under faculty mentorship
- Develop strong communication and analytical skills through seminars and presentations
Program highlights
- Degree earned: Master of Arts in Biological Sciences
- Customizable coursework across multiple UB schools and departments
- Required research or scholarly project with a faculty mentor
- Seminar experience focused on communication and professional development
- Full-time or part-time enrollment options
Students tailor their studies around their interests while building strong scientific foundations. Coursework commonly explores areas such as:
- Molecular, cellular and organismal biology
- Neuroscience and physiology
- Genetics, genomics and bioinformatics
- Public health, epidemiology and health behavior
- Biomedical sciences and clinical foundations
Courses are taught by faculty across UB and often connect scientific concepts to health, policy and applied contexts.
Sample course titles may include “Comparative Genomics,” “Scientific Writing” and “Integrative Neuroscience.”
All students complete a required research or scholarly project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Projects may be experimental, data-driven or literature-based and can be completed within Biological Sciences or another UB department.
Students present their work in a seminar setting and submit a written project summary, building confidence in scientific communication and professional presentation.
Examples of recent project areas include:
- Neural regulation of behavior
- Medical imaging and data analysis
- Nutrition and metabolic health
- Immunology and disease processes
- Evolutionary and population biology
By completing the MA in Biological Sciences, graduates will be able to:
- Critically read and evaluate original research literature
- Communicate scientific information clearly in written and oral formats
- Apply scientific reasoning and appropriate analytical approaches
- Demonstrate discipline-specific knowledge aligned with their goals
Graduates pursue a wide range of outcomes based on their goals and interests, including:
- Professional programs in health-related fields
- Research and laboratory positions
- Teaching and science education roles
- Advanced graduate or doctoral study
- Careers that value scientific literacy, analysis and communication
This program is especially well-suited for students seeking strong preparation before committing to a long-term professional or research path.
Faculty academic advisor
Students are paired with a faculty academic advisor upon entry. Advisors support course planning, research placement and academic progress throughout the program.
Community support includes:
- Small cohort connections and peer study groups
- Seminar-based skill building in presentation and writing
- Workshops focused on professional goals and planning
- Ongoing engagement with program alumni
Faculty mentors
Students work closely with faculty who are researchers and mentors. They include:
If you are looking for a graduate program that adapts to your goals while building real research and communication skills, the Biological Sciences MA at UB offers a supportive and flexible path forward.
If you have questions about our programs, please contact:
