MS Applied Biological Sciences at Arizona State University

Programme overview

The Master of Science program in applied biological sciences offers you advanced instruction in the ecology and sustainable management of natural and urban ecosystems. Through rigorous coursework combining fieldwork and laboratory studies, you apply ecological and biological principles to address critical challenges in species and ecosystem conservation.

What you will study

30 credit hours and a thesis, or 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (ABS 592 and ABS 593), or 30 credit hours including the required capstone course (ABS 597) Required Core (3 credit hours) ABS 500 Research Methods (3) or ABS 550 Vegetation Dynamics (3) or ABS 555 Wildlife Dynamics (3) Electives or Research (21 or 24 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours) ABS 592 Research (3) and ABS 593 Applied Project (3) or ABS 597 Applied Biological Sciences Capstone (3) ABS 599 Thesis (6) Additional Curriculum Information Students choose elective coursework that supports their educational objectives.

Career pathways

Professionals with expertise in the study of evolution, natural history, and the conservation of plants and animals are increasingly sought-after across various sectors, including governmental organizations at the county and state levels, as well as in community management roles. Career examples: animal scientist, biologist, fish and wildlife biologist, medical scientist, natural science manager, postsecondary biological science teacher.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts resume statement of intent two letters of recommendation proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Applicants are expected to have completed 18 credit hours in biological sciences and closely related courses. Certain fields of study may have specific expectations regarding courses taken at the undergraduate level.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search; the application opens almost a year before the start term. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S. Apply with ASU's graduate application (Law applicants use the law college's site); GRE/GMAT requirements vary by programme.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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