BA/MS in Biological Sciences
Accelerate your path from undergraduate study to advanced research
The BA/MS in Biological Sciences at UB is a five-year combined degree program designed for students who want to move efficiently from undergraduate study into advanced biological research. You’ll earn a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science while gaining extensive research experience and faculty mentorship along the way. This program is ideal for students who are curious, motivated and interested in research-focused careers or PhD-level study.
The combined BA/MS program offers the depth of graduate training with the continuity of an undergraduate experience. Instead of applying separately for a master’s degree, eligible students transition smoothly into advanced coursework and research during their fourth year.
This program is a strong fit if you:
- Are interested in research and discovery in the life sciences
- Want to begin graduate-level work earlier
- Are considering a PhD or research-intensive career
- Enjoy working closely with faculty mentors
- Integrated undergraduate and graduate coursework completed over five years
- Early entry into graduate-level biological sciences courses
- Sustained, faculty-mentored laboratory research
- A research project as the centerpiece of the MS degree
- Strong advising support to help students plan an efficient academic path
Students begin as undergraduate biological sciences majors and follow a shared curriculum during the first three years. During the fourth year, eligible students formally enter the combined program, begin graduate-level coursework and deepen their focus on research. The BA is awarded after year four, and the MS is awarded upon program completion.
Applying to the BA/MS program
Students typically apply during their fifth semester at UB. Admission is competitive and based on academic preparation and faculty recommendations.
Research is central to the BA/MS experience. Students work closely with faculty mentors and integrate classroom learning with hands-on investigation.
Students in the program:
- Participate in sustained laboratory research
- Develop skills in experimental design and data analysis
- Learn how to communicate research findings professionally
- Prepare for research careers or doctoral-level study
Graduates of the BA/MS in Biological Sciences are well prepared for next steps that value advanced research training, including:
- PhD programs in biological sciences or related fields
- Research roles in academia, industry or government
- Science-focused positions requiring advanced analytical and laboratory skills
The structure of the program allows students to build depth, confidence and a strong professional identity as scientists.
If you are excited by biology, enjoy working with data and want a degree that connects science with computation, the BS in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at UB is a powerful place to start.
For questions about the BA/MS in Biological Sciences program:
