About the program
As an M.S. in Biological Sciences (GBIO) student at UNE, you will be empowered with a comprehensive foundation of knowledge in biological concepts, offered the opportunity to conduct original research and prepare a thesis on various topics, and benefit from our location by the sea and cutting-edge facilities.
Important Application Dates
- For Program Starting: Fall 2025
- All applicants should apply through the Graduate Centralized Application Service (GradCAS)
- GradCAS Application Portal for fall 2025 admission open date: TBD
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
Application Process
- All complete applications are reviewed by program faculty, with decisions made after the February 1 application deadline.
- All applicants must meet minimum requirements to be considered for admission. However, please note that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
- Applications are reviewed and considered for admission based on a combination of academics and experience that best fits with the program's current open research opportunities.
- Decision letters will be communicated beginning in mid-March.
For specific academic dates, please view the UNE Academic Calendar.
Requirements
Application
The University of New England participates in the Graduate Centralized Application Service (GradCAS). All applicants are required to apply online through this service.
Degree Requirement
Completion of Bachelor’s Degree in Biology (or another related area) from a U.S. regionally accredited institution, or international equivalent, prior to matriculation.
- All applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Official transcripts should be sent directly to GradCAS. Please refer to the GradCAS application for additional information and instructions.
GPA Requirement
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (inclusive of all coursework taken with no forgiveness for retakes).
- All applicants must meet minimum GPA requirements to be considered for admission.
Resume
- A current resume is required and should be uploaded directly to the GradCAS application.
Letters of Reference
Three (3) letters of reference are required – submitted via GradCAS.
- Letters should come from a person of your choice who can speak to your academic and/or professional experience.
- Letters from friends or family members are not acceptable.
International Applicants
International applicants and those with foreign degrees and coursework are required to satisfy the following additional requirements:
- Official credential evaluation by World Education Service (WES), confirming degree and grade equivalency to that of a U.S. bachelor’s degree. The completed credential evaluation should be sent directly to GradCAS. Please refer to the International Admissions section of the UNE website for more information on the type of credential evaluation required for admission review.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate written and spoken fluency through the successful completion of a UNE approved English language proficiency test.
- Applicants should refer to the English Language Proficiency page on the UNE website for specific information on acceptable tests, minimum score requirements, and test score submission instructions.
Other Important Information
- Prior to or early in the application process, applicants are strongly advised to communicate with UNE faculty with whom they would like to work.
- Meeting with faculty during the application process does not in any way negate the need to fully complete the application and proceed through the admissions process.
- Candidates are reviewed by program faculty. Admission is based on academics and experiences that might be the best fit with current open research opportunities.
- Applications completed after the application deadline will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
- Applicants offered admission will be expected to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure a seat in the program.
- The non-refundable deposit is applied toward fees not covered by any assistantships or grants received upon acceptance.
- Should the candidate decide not to matriculate in the program, the deposit will be forfeited.
All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.
POLICY EXCEPTIONS
- Policies have been established to ensure fair and consistent admissions practice for all applicants.
- All criteria presented in this summary are subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements.
- Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made on a case-by-case basis, only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidates, individual candidates.
Transfer Credit
- Transfer credits are rarely awarded to students who transfer from another biological science program.
- Transfer credits will be reviewed and awarded on a case-by-case basis.
Advanced standing
No advanced standing available.
Experiential Learning
No credit will be awarded for experiential learning.
Apply
Apply Now or Request Information
Apply online for admission to our M.S. in Biological Sciences program or request more information about the program.
Contact
Graduate Admissions and Recruitment
Office Hours
Monday–Friday
8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Portland Campus
Girard Innovation Hall, room 254
716 Stevens Ave.
Portland, ME, 04103
(207) 221-4225
gradadmissions@une.edu
M.S. in Biological Sciences Admissions FAQ
You will receive an email confirming receipt of your verified application from the Office of Graduate Admissions. All communication from Graduate Admissions will be sent to the email address listed on your GradCAS application. If you wish to check the status of your application please email the Office of Graduate Admissions.
There are no quotas for Maine or New England students. Prospective students from all geographic regions are encouraged to apply for admission.
Yes, updates can be made post-submission. Experiences can be added, but edits of previously submitted information is not allowed. Coursework can be updated; however, updates are not verified and will not affect any GPA calculations. See more information about updating your GradCAS application
Applicants reapplying to the UNE Master of Science in Biological Sciences program need to resubmit all application materials for any new cycle in which they apply, including: primary CAS application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, written statements and responses, fees and payments, and any additional required documentation. Applicants should also actively update their experiences, extracurricular activities, clinical involvement, and volunteering each cycle as well, to reflect the most up-to-date engagement.