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Biological Sciences

Also offered as: Major , Minor , Biological Sciences: Non-Thesis (Graduate Option)

The Master of Science in Biological Sciences offers students the opportunity to pursue advanced training in many areas of modern biology.

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Biological Sciences

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Degree Level
Master of Science
Delivery
In Person / Fully Online
Time to Degree
2 Semesters
Credit Hours
32 Total, 32 in Major
Careers
Scientists, Managers, Naturalists
Biological Sciences students at EIU

Why Study Biological Sciences at EIU?

  • Learn through hands-on, project-based coursework
  • Work closely with faculty in small class settings
  • Prepare for a wide range of careers across almost every industry
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"Eastern IL has a small community feel, as well as small classroom sizes that allow me to interact with my peers and professors. I enjoy making close connections with my classmates and instructors to help each other and have a good relationship with my professors so that I am comfortable seeking help when I need to. ... The community gives me the confidence and support needed to do what I love all while getting an education to set me up for a bright and successful future."
Kaitlyn Ward
Class of 2028, Biological Sciences major
Kaitlyn Ward, Biological Sciences at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Project-based coursework
  • Collaborative learning experiences
  • Opportunities for internships and applied work
Hands-On Experience, Biological Sciences students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The size of the program facilitates close contact between the student and graduate faculty from the Department of Biological Sciences. Experiences provided by the graduate faculty in formal courses, research laboratories, and in diverse field situations are the basis not only for degree requirements but also for continuation of their postgraduate education and placement in a career in the biological sciences.

View in Catalog
$161,180
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Conservation Scientists
  • Range Managers
  • Park Naturalists
  • Foresters
  • Forestry & Conservation Science…
  • Natural Sciences Managers
  • Clinical Research Coordinators
  • Water Resource Specialists
  • Bioinformatics Scientists

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Investigative

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$14,688 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 15% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $8,262 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit, so federal loans alone can cover tuition and fees.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education - at EIU's rates, that can cover a good share of a part-time master's.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing.

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15% of lifetime limit

$14,688 total, just 15% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Britto Nathan
Assistant Chair and Professor, Coordinator of Graduate Programs
bpnathan@eiu.edu
Life Science 2154
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Message Britto

or email bpnathan@eiu.edu directly
Elliott Zieman
Chair and Associate Professor
eazieman@eiu.edu
Life Science 2070
217-581-1976
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or email eazieman@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

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or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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