Biology Graduate Programs

Research, professor-student mentoring relationships and innovative instruction provide the foundation for our graduate degree programs in biology.

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Graduate Programs 

Master of Arts in Biology

This is a one-year pre-professional degree program (June to May) that provides students with the broad, general knowledge of human anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and physiology that is necessary for successful admission into medical, osteopathic, dental, pharmacy and veterinary programs. Applications are accepted for a Summer term start and the application deadline is May 1.

Apply to the MA Biology

Master of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology

Students who earn their M.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology will be trained in the fundamental principles of cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry, and will develop research skills for successful careers as technical specialists or successfully compete for doctoral and professional graduate programs. The M.S. degree in cell and molecular biology is offered as either a research or a non-research (coursework) degree, which may be earned with a bioinformatics emphasis. The non-research degree may be done on a part-time basis.

Apply to the MS Cell and Molecular Biology

Natural Sciences Ph.D.

UMKC offers a Natural Sciences Ph.D. program which takes a multidisciplinary approach to earning a doctorate. Find out more about our biological sciences disciplines below.

Learn more about the Cell Biology and Biophysics Discipline

Learn more about the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Discipline

Interdisciplinary Ph.D.
(Fall 2025 applications are the final term for the interdisciplinary program.)

Co-disciplines

  • Cell Biology and Biophysics
  • Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

Apply to the iPhD or Natural Sciences PhD Program

Seminars

The biology program presents two seminar programs that promote a better and more expansive knowledge of the sciences, explore new discoveries and techniques and provide advice for your scientists.

  • Biology Seminars are hosted every Thursday from 3:45–5 p.m. during the academic year, unless noted. Seminars are held in person in SH 522 and also on Zoom. If you would like to attend via Zoom, please email Mary Flores
  • Intramural Research Seminar Series (IRSS) faculty and research staff seminars are held every Tuesday from noon–1 p.m. during the semester, unless noted. IRSS will be in-person in SH 522 and via Zoom simultaneously. If you would like to attend or present via Zoom, please email Jeff Price.

View previous seminars

Research Areas

Bacteria, Fungi, and Parasites

Biomedical Engineering

Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology

Molecular Pumps

Cell/Cell Interactions

Cell/Cell Signaling

Behavior

Neurobiology

Genetic Control

Development

Drugs and Resistance

Viral Pathogenesis

RNA Biology

Learn more about our research

Meet Our Faculty

View faculty directory