The MSc degree is centred on conducting research in the biological sciences. Graduates of the MSc program are prepared for positions in government, management, industry, education, consulting, or for PhD research.

PROGRAM MILESTONES

• establishing a faculty supervisory committee
• preparing, presenting, and defending a thesis research proposal
• completing coursework
• researching, writing, and defending a thesis

COURSEWORK & THESIS REQUIREMENTS

• biology seminar course (BIOL 501)
• minimum of 6 additional credits of coursework, with a cumulative average of 75% or higher
• 21-credit MSc thesis (BIOL 599)

Exceptional MSc students can transfer to the PhD program if they meet program requirements.

Most MSc students become Teaching Assistants for at least one semester in order to gain valuable experience and to learn effective communications strategies.

The PhD degree is centred on conducting original research. Graduates of the PhD program are prepared for careers requiring advanced independent research and teaching in academia, government, and industry.

PROGRAM MILESTONES

• establishing a faculty supervisory committee
• preparing, presenting, and defending a dissertation research proposal
• passing an oral candidacy examination that demonstrates breadth and depth of knowledge in one’s chosen field and specialization
• completing dissertation research and writing, and defending the work

Most PhD students complete Teaching Assistantships for at least two semesters.

coursework

At the PhD level, coursework is required only at the discretion of the student’s advisory committee. We recommend that PhD students have completed upper-level undergraduate or graduate-level courses in the following:

• a taxonomically-based course (e.g. mammalogy, vascular plants, invertebrates)
• physiology/cell biology
• genetics/molecular biology
• ecology/evolution systematics

Students lacking any of these courses prior to entering the program must take the necessary courses as part of their PhD training.

other requirementS

PhD students are also required to demonstrate outreach or application of their results. The method and timing for fulfilling the requirement will be determined by the student in consultation with the committee no later than one year after a successful candidacy exam.

Possibilities include:

• presentation of the results to a public (non-scientific) audience
• contributing information to a species assessment for the Committee on the Status of Wildlife in Canada
• presenting research at a government-led workshop
• developing and disseminating educational material on subjects related to the research
• presenting to school groups

MASTER OF SCIENCE (MSc) APPLICANTS 

Applicants to the biology MSc program are expected to have:

• the academic equivalent of a four-year BSc from UBC in biology or a related field, with a minimum average of B+ (76%) or better in their third- or fourth-year classes, or
• at least 12 credits in third- and fourth-year classes in their intended field of study, with an A- (80%) grade or better

Your background training must be sufficient for advanced work in your chosen field.

DOCTORAL APPLICANTS (PhD)

PhD applicants are expected to:

• hold the academic equivalent of a two-year master’s degree from UBC in biology or a related field, with a B+ (76%) average or better
• demonstrate clear evidence of research ability or potential

Your background training must be sufficient for advanced work in your chosen field.

EXCEPTIONAL CASES

Exceptional students who do not meet the requirements above, but who have significant formal training and relevant professional experience, may be admitted on the recommendation of the Biology Graduate Program Committee and approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

MORE INFORMATION

Visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar for full admission and program requirements information. The calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services, and academic policies at the University of British Columbia.

Note: In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct. 

The College of Graduate Studies defines additional requirements and degree equivalencies.

MASTER OF SCIENCE (MSc) APPLICANTS 

International applicants to the biology MSc program are expected to:

• have the academic equivalent of a four-year BSc from UBC in biology or a related field, with a minimum average of B+ (76%) or better in their third- or fourth-year classes, or
• have at least 12 credits in third- and fourth-year classes in their intended field of study, with an A- (80%) grade or better, and
• present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language (please see details below)

Your background training must be sufficient for advanced work in your chosen field.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants from a university outside Canada at which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. Acceptable English language proficiency tests for applicants to graduate studies are:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 90 overall with a minimum score of 22 in Reading & Listening and a minimum score of 21 in Writing & Speaking (Internet version); minimum score of 22 in Reading & Listening and a minimum score of 21 in Writing (paper version). The TOEFL institution code is 0965. TOEFL MyBest Scores that meet the above minimum scores are acceptable as meeting the English language test requirements; or
• IELTS (International English Language Testing Service): minimum overall band score of 6.5, with no individual score less than 6.0.

DOCTORAL APPLICANTS (PhD)

International PhD applicants are expected to:

• hold the academic equivalent of a two-year master’s degree from UBC in biology or a related field, with a B+ (76%) average or better
• demonstrate clear evidence of research ability or potential
• present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language (please see details below)

Your background training must be sufficient for advanced work in your chosen field.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants from a university outside Canada at which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. Acceptable English language proficiency tests for applicants to graduate studies are:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 90 overall with a minimum score of 22 in Reading & Listening and a minimum score of 21 in Writing & Speaking (Internet version); minimum score of 22 in Reading & Listening and a minimum score of 21 in Writing (paper version). TOEFL MyBest Scores that meet the above minimum scores are acceptable as meeting the English language test requirements; or
• IELTS (International English Language Testing Service): minimum overall band score of 6.5, with no individual score less than 6.0.

MORE INFORMATION

Visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar for full admission and program requirements information. The calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services, and academic policies at the University of British Columbia.

Note: In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct. 

REQUIRED GRADES AND CREDENTIAL GUIDE

Grades and degree credentials required by UBC vary by country. Search the Required Grades and Credential Guide—a guide to assist international students in estimating their eligibility.

INTERNATIONAL ADVISORS

An international student advisor can answer questions about immigration, medical insurance and the transition to UBC’s Okanagan campus in Kelowna, BC. Visit the International Programs and Services website to meet the team.

DYNAMIC CITY

UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of about 150,000 people—the fourth fastest growing population in Canada. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is rated one of the best communities in Canada to grow your business.

More than 160 buses travel daily from campus to key locations such as Kelowna’s cultural district and thriving downtown waterfront. The campus is two minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, one of the top 10 busiest airports in Canada.

UBC Okanagan is situated within the First Nations territory of the Okanagan Nation, whose spirit of stewardship for the land is reflected in the university’s respect for sustainability.

NATURAL BEAUTY

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards and orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan Valley features sweeping stretches of lakeside and endless mountain trails for biking and hiking.

Check out this 360-degree video: Kelowna From Above.*

* Best viewed using desktop Chrome or Firefox (desktop) or YouTube app (mobile).

CAMPUS HOUSING

Full-time UBC Okanagan students can live in residence, which offers modern living with easy access to academic and personal support. Residences are surrounded by hiking and biking trails, plus panoramic views of the campus and valley.

• Student Residence
• Important Housing Dates

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

• Living Off Campus Resources
• Kelowna Off Campus Student Housing Facebook group*

* UBC does not verify or endorse information shared on this third-party website, which is offered here as a public resource only.

Join the club: Make friends with similar interests, compare notes, and organize and participate in academic and recreational events in the Biology Graduate Student Society (BGSS).

There are orientation events for all graduate students, but biology grad students have their own introduction to UBC Okanagan through the BGSS. The club organizes events throughout the year such as the Welcome BBQ, field trips, outdoor adventures, bowling and other game nights.

Stay active: Take advantage of the many opportunities to get involved and play—from workout space in the new Hangar Fitness and Wellness Centre and our 1,561 square-metre gymnasium, to athletic courts, intramurals, fitness classes, and nationally ranked varsity athletics. Have a ball in Sports and Recreation.

Relax: The Graduate Collegium is a gathering place where grad students can hang out, eat lunch, spend time with their fellow students, and attend or host special events. The lounge-style room is open seven days and week and is outfitted with comfortable furniture, kitchen facilities, and individual and group-work spaces.

College of Graduate Studies: Your hub for administrative support and such things as graduate workshops for professional development and for assisting you from the admissions process through to your graduation.

Centre for Scholarly Communication: Supports graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, staff, and faculty in disseminating their research. The Library’s CSC provides one-on-one consultations and workshops, including writing support for theses, dissertations, journal articles, and grant proposals.

Centre for Teaching and Learning: Provides support related to teaching, TA training, and use of technology in educational programming.

Learn more about graduate student resources and support.

Careers and Occupations

With a biology MSc or PhD degree from the University of British Columbia, graduates are well-positioned to meet the reporting requirements for membership in the governing body for Professional Biologists in British Columbia (the College of Applied Biology), and thrive in a variety of occupations, such as

Career Services

Map out your future and prepare to hit the ground running with resources and services provided by the Advising & Involvement Centre.

Tell your story with resumé and cover-letter strategies, and search Work Study jobs for experience relevant to your degree and career goals. You can also book an appointment to meet one-on-one with our career advisor.

alumni UBC

alumni UBC is a member-driven association that offers a variety of lifetime programming and communications to enrich the lives of UBC graduates.

The ‘Your Next Step’ program offers webinars, speaker series, and professional development sessions. It is designed to provide advice, tips, and resources in areas of career development to graduates for life after university.

Realize the promise of a global community with shared ambition for a better world and an exceptional UBC.