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    University of Illinois Chicago

    Master of Science in Biological Sciences

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Chicago, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $55,496.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    32
    Credits
    $70.00
    App fee

    Master of Science in Biological Sciences at University of Illinois Chicago is a 32-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in Chicago, US. Tuition is $55,496 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    Offers research track with thesis and coursework track with project, covering areas such as cell biology, development, ecology, evolution, genetics, molecular biology, neurobiology, and plant biology. Note that no new students are being admitted to the coursework track.

    Focus: both
    US News #80 (tie) in Biological Sciences

    Your fit

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    Admissions

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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

    Fall 2027
    Dec 1, 2026

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    required
    Min TOEFL iBT 90 (Reading 19, Listening 24, Speaking 26, Writing 21)
    IELTS
    required
    Min IELTS Academic 6.5 (Reading 6.0, Listening 7.5, Speaking 8.0, Writing 6.0)

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

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

    $20,116.00
    Annual living cost

    Application Checklist

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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 Master of Science in Biological Sciences at University of Illinois Chicago cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Science in Biological Sciences at University of Illinois Chicago is $55,496 across 32 required credits.
    Is Master of Science in Biological Sciences at University of Illinois Chicago online or in-person?
    Master of Science in Biological Sciences at University of Illinois Chicago is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Science in Biological Sciences at University of Illinois Chicago take to complete?
    Master of Science in Biological Sciences at University of Illinois Chicago is structured around 2 years and 32 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Science in Biological Sciences at University of Illinois Chicago?
    Per the program's published guidance: At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study
    Is Master of Science in Biological Sciences at University of Illinois Chicago STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Science in Biological Sciences at University of Illinois Chicago is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.