PLNU offers California’s only part-time master’s degree in general biology that’s specifically designed for working professionals. Our program offers a thesis and a non-thesis track, so you can tailor your program to fit your needs. Whether you intend to become an educator at the college level, improve your teaching in middle/high school, or advance your career in research or biotech, the program is designed to allow you to continue to advance in your professional pursuits while completing your degree. 

The deep foundational knowledge you gain will serve you equally well in the laboratory, boardroom, field, or classroom. A flexible program offers online courses with face-to-face meetings that allow you to keep your full-time job while earning your degree.

Invigorate Your Passion for Science

PLNU's unique approach to the graduate experience in biology provides working professionals with the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of biological principles and methods, as well as explore the relationship between science and faith. You’ll once again be a student in the field of study you love. As you gain deeper knowledge in several areas of biology, your passion for science will grow even stronger. 

Earn Your Degree While Working

This part-time program can be completed in just over two years. Courses are designed to support you while you're working and completing this graduate degree. Classes are offered through a hybrid method that allows you to complete your coursework online but attend any in-person classes or labs on our main campus in San Diego. 

The 34-unit program includes 10 units of required coursework in the history and philosophy of science, science education, and research design, and a research pilot study. The other 24 units include a variety of biology courses with labs, as well as options for internships.

Advance Your Career

Are you fascinated with the infinite complexity, rich beauty, and meaningful study of life? Is increasing your knowledge and understanding — in breadth as well as depth — in this vast field of study important to your career goals?

• Pursuing a Master of Science in General Biology at PLNU will help you advance your career by:
• Gaining greater knowledge in the field of biology. 
• Forming connections and enhancing your professional network.
• Increasing your earning potential.

Field and lab experience, internships, small class sizes, published faculty, and courses that explore the intersection between faith and science all provide the experience and knowledge needed to further your career.

Choose either the thesis or non-thesis option:

Master of Science in General Biology: Non-Thesis Option

If you’re looking to gain more expertise in various areas of biology or acquire internship experience in the field, the non-thesis option is a great fit. You’ll also have the flexibility of more electives, including additional biology coursework, research internships, workshops, or seminar series. 

Choosing a non-thesis track allows you to customize your graduate degree to fit your needs and interests. This option requires a comprehensive exam in lieu of a thesis. 

Master of Science in General Biology: Thesis Option

If you’re passionate about topics surrounding teaching and learning in biology and would like to pursue original research — or a thesis is required to further your education — this is the right track for you. Research in biology education will play a large role in your studies if you choose this path. If you’re an independent student and a good writer, the thesis option is a great fit.

Upon completion of the program, you’ll be able to:

• Discuss major concepts and theories in biology.
• Carry out and communicate various experimental methods and types of data analysis.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in critical thinking, such as analysis and synthesis, as applied to primary literature in the field of biology and in science education.
• Distinguish between science and faith, and discuss the potential compatibility of both.

Are you ready to take the next step and apply?

We’re here to make the entire process a simple one. We’ll walk you through the application process, answer your questions, and get you one step closer to earning your degree.

Program Start Date(s):

• Summer 2024 Quad I — May 6, 2024
• Summer 2024 Quad II — July 1, 2024
• Fall 2024 Quad I — September 2, 2024
• Fall 2024 Quad II — October 28, 2024

Application Deadline(s):

• Summer 2024 Quad I — April 24, 2024
• Summer 2024 Quad II — June 19, 2024
• Fall 2024 Quad I — August 21, 2024
• Fall 2024 Quad II — October 16, 2024

All applications submitted after these dates will be reviewed based on availability of space.

Start Application

The Selection Process

The educational context at PLNU will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program. 

Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application, but if you do not meet the minimum undergraduate upper division GPA requirement of a 2.75, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package, as well as an exceptions policy per your particular program.* Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission-under-exceptions process.

To be admitted into PLNU's Master of Science in General Biology program, you must:

• Submit a completed application for admission to the biology program.
• Have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript from the institution that indicates the completion of an undergraduate degree.
• Obtain an undergraduate upper-division grade-point average of at least 2.75.
• Interview with the appropriate graduate director or coordinator.

If you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general, we encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor.

*Exceptions Policy: If you have a GPA below 3.0 in your baccalaureate degree, you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

1. Submit your online application for admissions (including a $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for PLNU alums, current or former military and their dependents, and PLNU employees).
2. Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.* (If you are a PLNU alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the PLNU Office of Records.)
   
   Official transcripts must be sent to:
   Point Loma Nazarene University
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   3900 Lomaland Dr.
   San Diego, CA 92106
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu
   
   *Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the regionally accredited institution.
3. Submit two personal essays (200-300 words each) on the following topics:
   • Describe your reason(s) for pursuing your graduate degree in general biology and indicate your personal goals for the next five years.
   • Explain why you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in a Christian setting.

4. Once you have submitted your admissions application, your two selected professional recommenders will automatically be sent the auto-generated document to complete on your behalf. If you'd life to include a written letter in addition to this required document, you may do so, but it's unnecessary.

5. Test requirement: Either a Major Field Test (MFT) for biology (administered by PLNU with a $33 exam fee; contact admissions for more information), or a GRE subject test in biology. The MFT is preferred because the score is available immediately upon completion.

After all application materials are submitted, you will be contacted by PLNU's Department of Biology about scheduling an interview.

Start Application

For teachers, our program will enable you to teach life science and biology courses within middle schools, high schools, and community colleges. For professionals in biotech, biology-related nonprofit organizations, or other specialized fields, this degree will grow your passion for science, provide you with expertise in various areas of biology, and empower you to advance in your company.

PLNU’s M.S. in General Biology will prepare you to further your career as a working professional in numerous professions, such as: 

• Biotechnology 
• Research
• Education 
• Medicine
• Agriculture 
• Zoology

Before embarking on your educational journey, it’s important to know what jobs a master’s in biology will qualify you for. Individuals in the biotech industry can leverage a master’s degree to further career pursuits in title and pay. Those seeking to teach biology in a middle or high school must earn a single subject teaching credential to receive the certification necessary to teach in a classroom. There are other avenues a master's in biology can help you pursue. Below are a few examples.

Careers you can pursue with an M.S. in General Biology

Molecular Biologist 

Average National Salary: $83,929

Molecular biologists are a specific type of research scientist whose work largely revolves around the study of molecules and organisms. Their aim is typically to develop new treatments and pharmaceuticals to help treat various diseases and ailments. This is the perfect career for technically inclined individuals who like the process of in-depth laboratory research.

Biomedical Engineer

Average National Salary: $92,620

Biomedical engineers help improve human health by blending biology and engineering. They do so by identifying problems in healthcare that patients, doctors, and other professionals experience, and then developing solutions to those problems. This can be done by designing or developing new technologies and researching cutting-edge technologies. This is the perfect career for an analytical individual who enjoys problem-solving in medical environments. 

Research Scientist

Average National Salary: $111,094

Research scientists work in labs (i.e. government, environmental, specialist, or university labs) to conduct research in various fields. This can include anything from clinical trials for new medications to researching wind turbine efficiency for an energy company. Research scientists can work for both private organizations and public institutions such as governments or nonprofits. In addition to being a lucrative source of income, research science can be a fulfilling career that allows you to pursue areas that interest you and be at the forefront of new innovations.

Postsecondary Biological Science Teacher 

Average National Salary: $98,710

Post-secondary, or college-level biological science teachers teach various biology courses to students. The job itself varies based on the class or school, but typically a college biology professor needs a master’s degree to teach at this level. This may be a great career to pursue for middle school or high school teachers looking to increase their wages and step further into academia.

For information about the courses required for the General Biology, M.S. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information