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Campus Alert
Update on Facilities Emergency as of Friday, Oct. 23

Following Tuesday morning's electrical incident originating in the mechanical room of Building 42, power disruptions impacted Buildings 32, 38, 39, 42, 43 and 47.

Power has since been restored to Buildings 38, 39, 43 and 47. Buildings 56 and 71 were not impacted by this incident. Additionally, Buildings 44, 46 east and 46 west were unaffected and remained fully operational throughout the event.

The university's electrical contractor continues to assess the damage and determine options for restoring and redistributing power to Buildings 32 and 42. As a result, Buildings 32 and 42 will remain closed through Monday, Nov. 2, while assessments are completed and necessary repairs or equipment replacements are identified and implemented.

Academic Operations

  • The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) will remain under Emergency Remote Instruction (ERI) while Buildings 32 and 42 are unavailable.
  • Classes for all non-SEAS students will resume normal operations.
  • Classes at the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law, Community College, Congress Heights campus and DCA Aviation Hangar will continue as scheduled.

Administrative Operations

  • Administrative and support functions at the Van Ness campus will resume normal business operations and maintain regular business hours.

Guidance for SEAS Faculty and Staff

  • SEAS staff should contact their immediate supervisors regarding remote work expectations.
  • SEAS faculty should consult their supervisors for ERI-related guidance.
  • The Center for the Advancement of Learning (CAL) remains available to support instructional continuity, including Blackboard, Zoom and other teaching and learning technologies.

CAL Faculty Support Resources

Guidance for SEAS Students

  • Due to this facilities emergency, SEAS in-person operations will remain suspended through Monday, Nov. 2. Instruction will continue remotely through both synchronous and asynchronous formats.
  • Courses requiring laboratory, clinical, studio or other hands-on instruction may require makeup sessions. However, every effort will be made to maintain academic continuity through virtual learning whenever possible. Faculty conducting synchronous instruction should continue to meet during published class times to minimize disruptions to student schedules.

The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and community remain our highest priority. We will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.

Please continue to monitor the university website and official social media channels for the latest information.

For safety concerns, contact OPSEM at 202-274-5050. For emergencies, call 911.

Thank you for your flexibility, cooperation and continued commitment to UDC and our students.

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Biology Student

Biology - MS

Program Overview

Master of Science in Biology

Advance your education and your professional development with a Master of Science (MS) in Biology degree from the University of the District of Columbia! Make the most of an impactful and engaging learning environment at UDC, with our renowned team of faculty and small class sizes (typically five to eight students) that ensure you get the support you need.

Read on to explore our offerings and activities and learn more about what to expect from the Master of Science in Biology. 

Our program offers an unparalleled collaborative approach to cancer research education through a joint administration effort between UDC and the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University Medical Center. This program is dedicated entirely to educating master's-level cancer researchers with an in-depth understanding of cancer biology, as well as prevention and control—giving you all the tools necessary to excel in your career following graduation. 

During your time in the program, you will explore a wide range of topics, including:

  • Cancer Epidemiology
  • Molecular Laboratory
  • Epidemiology
  • Cancer Education, Outreach & Field Study
  • Tumor Biology
  • Principles & Practices of Behavior Science in Cancer Control

Want to further develop your learned skills and experiences beyond the classroom? The biology program offers a number of competitive learning and internship opportunities! Two graduate student slots are available each summer, allowing you and one of your peers to participate in priceless research internships.

Note: These internship opportunities can be pursued with UDC biology faculty, at Georgetown, or other research institutions under the guidance of a mentor, provided the collaboration is mutually agreeable. These experiences provide a non-graded yet academically enriching component to the program.

Organizations and Activities

During your time in our master's biology program, you will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of in-depth institutes and programs. Of these, we encourage you to check out the STEM Center for Research and Development. 

The Center is a valuable resource for students of all STEM disciplines. Explore its courses, research and enrichment activities designed specifically to strengthen your academic skills and engagement and prepare you for graduation and beyond!

Curriculum and Requirements


Program of Study

Program Outcomes

The program takes pride in our graduates' achievements and will provide a comprehensive list of alumni outcomes, up to five years post-graduation, to demonstrate the success and professional trajectory of our students. We anticipate that, after graduation, you will pursue further academic work in a Ph.D. program or enter medical, dental or veterinary schools.

Admission Requirements

Review the details below to ensure that you are eligible for admission into the Master of Science in Biology program at the University of the District of Columbia. To qualify, you must:

  • Have a bachelor's degree in biology or a related discipline from an accredited institution in the U.S. or a comparable degree from a recognized international university.
  • Hold a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale. To maintain a competitive edge, we recommend maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or above.

Start Your Application

Apply to UDC as a Graduate Degree Applicant if you meet all of the following criteria:

  • You are seeking a graduate degree.
  • You have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited post-secondary institution.

Apply Now

Visit our Application Center for detailed instructions and resources.

Already Applied? LOG IN TO TRACK YOUR APPLICATION

Contact Us

Want to learn more about the Master of Science in Biology degree at the University of the District of Columbia? Reach out to us at any time and we'll be happy to help!

Carolyn Cousin
Program Coordinator, Professor of Biology
202-274-5874
[email protected]

Lisa Sutton
DSAM Secretary
202-274-7401
[email protected]

Division of Sciences and Mathematics Degree Programs
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