Program Overview
A deeper understanding of biology is essential for tackling some of today’s most pressing challenges — from advancing medical research to improving the design of clinical trials. The Biology Master’s Degree Program combines cutting-edge online coursework with a brief, immersive on-campus experience at Harvard.
Through the Biology Master’s Degree Program, you’ll:
- Explore core areas of biology, including molecular biology, genetics, genomics, neurobiology, evolution, and ecology.
- Strengthen your research skills through hands-on study design, data analysis, and ethical scientific practice.
- Learn to communicate scientific ideas clearly and effectively in writing, presentations, and visual formats.
- Graduate with a Harvard University degree: Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies in the field of Biology.
Courses
As you pursue your degree, you’ll have the flexibility to study part time, allowing you to choose courses that fit your schedule and support your professional goals. You can choose to pursue either a capstone or thesis track.
Example Courses
- Cell Biology
- Introduction to Genomics
- Evolution
- Genetics
- Neurobiology
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology
Stackable Certificate
As you work toward your master’s degree, you can take courses that also count — or “stack” — toward a Topics in Biomedical Science Graduate Certificate. It’s a cost-effective, time-saving opportunity to build specialized skills and earn a second professional credential.
Admissions
The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program. You’ll earn your way in through our performance-based admissions, completing coursework for admission and earning credits toward your degree right away.
Next Start Term
You can enroll in your first admission course this fall. Course registration opens July 21.
Featured Faculty
Our biology instructors bring a genuine passion for teaching, with students giving our faculty an average rating of 4.4 out of 5.
Frederick R. Bieber
Associate Professor of Pathology, Harvard Medical School
Laura Magnotti
Lecturer on Neuroscience, Harvard University
Amy Tsurumi
Assistant Professor of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
Britt Stockton Lee
Clinical Simulation Faculty, MEDscience Simulation Lab, Harvard Medical School
David Sloane
Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Peter Girguis
Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University
Career Opportunities & Alumni Outcomes
Biology alumni have gone on to doctoral programs in a variety of fields, including bioethics, biomedical sciences, biomedical forensic sciences, chronic disease epidemiology, education, medical/veterinary sciences, neuroscience, oncology, and public health at top research universities.
Sample Alumni Job Titles
- Molecular Technologist
- Senior Research Technician
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Biomedical Engineer
Sample Alumni Employers
- AstaZeneca
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- Broad Institute
- Moderna
- MERCK
- Pfizer
Program Benefits
Experience a rigorous curriculum. 97% of recent graduates would recommend the program.
Access career advising and other services through Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success.
Create an in-depth thesis or capstone project.
Pursue paid research opportunities through the Faculty Aide Program.
Explore entrepreneurial opportunities through the Harvard Innovation Labs.
Become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).
Tuition & Financial Aid
Learn more about the cost of attendance.
