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    The Pennsylvania State University

    Biology (M.S.)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    University Park, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $93,536.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    30
    Credits
    $85.00
    App fee

    Biology (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is a 30-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in University Park, US. Tuition is $93,536 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program covers research areas including bioinformatics, cell biology, developmental biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, neuroscience, phylogenetics, and physiology. Courses are planned individually with a faculty adviser, culminating in a thesis.

    Focus: research
    QS Biological Sciences #76 | US News Biological Sciences #58

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

    Rolling
    TBA

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    required
    Min Graduate School requirement: TOEFL iBT total score of at least 4.5 with 3.5+ speaking (tests before Jan 21 2026: 80 total with 19 speaking). Program requires submission for international applicants but no program-specific minimum stated beyond Graduate School.
    IELTS
    optional
    Min IELTS can be submitted in lieu of TOEFL (Graduate School minimum composite 6.0). No program-specific minimum stated.

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)

    $20,700.00
    Annual living cost

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Biology (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Biology (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is $93,536 across 30 required credits.
    Is Biology (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University online or in-person?
    Biology (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is offered in-person.
    How long does Biology (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University take to complete?
    Biology (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is structured around 2 years and 30 credits.
    Is Biology (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Biology (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.
    What work-permit options follow Biology (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University?
    Post-completion work rights for Biology (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University: 12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)