In order to get a master's degree in biology, you must first successfully complete an undergraduate degree. It is not necessary for the degree to be based in the sciences, but it is certainly helpful. If your undergraduate degree is not in the sciences, you may need to complete some prerequisite courses before an application for a position within a master's degree program will be considered, much less accepted. Most accredited higher learning institutions offer information about prerequisites on their websites, and you can also contact the admissions office directly.
In order to complete prerequisite courses for a master's degree in biology, you may have to take classes at a community college that offers courses to non-matriculated students or at a college or university that offers continued learning programs in which students can take classes without having to graduate. If multiple courses must be completed, it might make sense to take a full load of classes for one semester to complete all of the work as quickly as possible. Doing so will allow you to apply for a master's degree program sooner rather than later.
Many students who are interested in pursuing a master's degree in biology apply to multiple programs with hopes that they will be accepted by at least one school or, in the best scenario, that they will have their choice of several. It's best to research all of programs available to you and apply to the school that seems the best suited to your needs and interests. You should research the faculty in the program and learn about the work that each professor has done in his or her career. This is a good way to pick a well-suited program.
Students who will need financial assistance should look for programs that offer stipends or tuition remittance. If you do not plan to relocate for school, you'll want to focus on local programs. In some cases, schools in your area may not offer post-graduate programs in biology, so you may want to consider completing the coursework through an online institution. There are many online colleges that offer master's programs and allow students to study and complete their degrees no matter where they live.
