Welcome to Graduate Biology at Hofstra University
Our Master's degree programs are designed to teach students the critical thinking, research, and communication skills essential for a career in biological sciences and beyond. We offer exciting opportunities to prepare students for the changing world that they will experience after graduation. The plan of study is individually tailored within the course offerings and other training opportunities to match each student's personal goals. In addition, these degrees strengthen the credentials of individuals who are already in a biology-related field that they enjoy.
Graduates with a master's degree pursue professional degrees in the health or veterinary sciences, continue graduate work at the doctoral level, and find employment as skilled laboratory technicians for hospitals and companies, and as marine and wildlife specialists for governmental and nongovernmental organizations.
The strength of our graduate program is our faculty as well as the flexibility of the academic program. Our faculty care about students and about being good teachers and research mentors. We provide a broad range of faculty expertise coupled with a variety of hands-on research opportunities and dynamic faculty-student interactions in small classes. While our course offerings on any given semester are relatively few, we attempt to provide a diversity of courses ranging from molecular/ cell biology to organismal ecology and conservation. Recognizing the economic reality of living on Long Island, we offer many courses during evening hours to facilitate enrollment by part-time students.
The following graduate programs are offered through the Department of Biology:
Master of Arts
- Major in Biology: Bulletin Site
- Major in Urban Ecology: Bulletin Site
Master of Science
- Major in Biology: Bulletin Site
- Major in Urban Ecology: Bulletin Site
Dual Bachelor of Science/ Master of Science
- Major in Physician Assistant Studies: PA Program Website | Bulletin Site
For more information about Biology Graduate Programs, please contact the Director, Dr. Maureen Krause at or 516 463-6178.
Program Descriptions
M.A. and M.S. in Biology
Our Biology master's programs prepare students for a variety of careers and opportunities in the biological sciences in a wide variety of disciplines ranging from cell and molecular biology to ecology and marine biology. In addition, a Master's degree strengthens the credentials of individuals who are already in a biology-related field that they enjoy.
The Biology Master's Programs are designed with flexibility in mind. Students design their program and choose courses in consultation with the Graduate Director as well as their research or thesis advisor. Opportunities for daytime as well as evening classes allow for either part-time or full-time study.
Graduate thesis and essay research opportunities are available with all of our Biology faculty, who are dedicated to teaching and research excellence and who maintain active research programs . Most faculty find that their research programs are strengthened by contributions and interactions with graduate students. Marine and freshwater biology, ecology, evolution, conservation biology, molecular and cell biology, physiology, genetics, and urban ecology studies are carried out on campus, using in-house facilities, and also at local research sites around Long Island. In addition we study nearby terrestrial, urban, and rural ecosystems. Students have the opportunity to take courses and conduct research at all these locations.
Facilities used for faculty and student research include well equipped molecular and cell biology laboratories including a genomics analysis system and real-time PCR capabilities, scanning electron microscope, laminar flow hoods for tissue and cell culture, microbiology laboratories, temperature-controlled animal care facilities and aquaria, and a greenhouse.
An overview of faculty research is available. Feel free to contact individual faculty for more information about their work and opportunities for research.
The Master of Arts Program in Biology
The program requires students to complete 33 semester hours of coursework, including 24 semester hours of 200 level (graduate) or higher coursework and a 3 credit literature-based hypothesis-driven essay. The MA culminates in the successful defense of the essay.
The Master of Science Program in Biology
The Master of Science degree requires 30 semester hours of coursework with 27 semester hours at the 200 level or higher (graduate-level courses) and a research thesis. The MS culminates in the successful defense of the research thesis.M.A. and M.S. in Urban Ecology
Urban Ecology is a subfield of ecology that deals with the distribution, abundance and interactions of plants and animals (including humans) within urban and suburban environments. Urban Ecology is one of the fastest growing subfields in ecology, and most ecologists now work in human-influenced habitats, and Hofstra University has an exciting new graduate program in this growing field . A Master's Degree in Urban Ecology prepares students for careers in environmental education, state and local conservation agencies, and environmental consulting – at the local, regional and national levels.The Master of Arts in Urban Ecology
Master of Science in Urban Ecology
For more information about the Urban Ecology Master's Program, please contact Dr. Russell Burke.
Admission Requirements
M.A. and M.S. in Biology
Below are listed the requirements for admission to the Graduate Biology Programs available at Hofstra.
Please review these requirements before considering application:
- A baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) in biology or closely related discipline. Any undergraduate deficiencies (including physics, mathematics, and organic chemistry) must be made up before the completion of 15 semester hours of graduate work.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores or MCAT scores.
- A written personal statement demonstrating rationale for pursuing graduate studies.
- Two letters of reference addressing the applicants potential for graduate studies.
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Program Requirements
M.A. and M.S. in Biology
Master of Arts
Candidates must complete:
- 33 semester hours of graduate work including an essay (BIO 303)
- At least 27 credits must be in biology courses numbered 200 or higher with up to 6 credits of electives chosen with permission of the Graduate Director
For the more information, see the Hofstra Graduate Studies Bulletin
Master of Science
Candidates must complete:
- 30 semester hours of graduate work including a thesis (BIO 301, BIO 302)
- At least 24 credits must be in biology courses numbered 200 or higher with up to six credits of electives must be chosen with permission of the Graduate Director
For the more information, see the Hofstra Graduate Studies Bulletin
Courses
Use Course Prefix BIO for Biology to find the most up-to-date information about Biology courses.
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