In order to complete a master's degree in biology, one must first successfully complete an undergraduate degree. It is not necessary for the undergraduate degree to be based in the sciences, but it is certainly helpful. If one does not complete an undergraduate degree in the sciences, it may be necessary to complete some prerequisite courses before an application for a master's degree in biology will be considered, much less accepted. Most accredited higher learning institutions offer information about prerequisites on their websites. Also, for information about prerequisites and other requirements related to an application to the master's degree in biology program, the admissions office may be contacted.

In order to complete prerequisite courses for a master's degree in biology, one may have to take classes at a community college that offers courses to non-matriculated students or at a college or university that offers continued learning programs in which students can take classes without having to matriculate. If multiple courses must be completed as a pre-requisite, it might make sense to take a full load of classes for one semester to complete all of the work as quickly as possible. Doing so will allow one to apply for a master's degree in biology sooner rather than later. Once all of the pre-requisites have been completed, an application for a master's degree in biology can be sent in.

Many students who are applying for a master's degree in biology apply to multiple programs with hopes that they will be accepted by at least one school or, in the best scenario, that they will have their choice of several. Applying for a master's degree in biology means researching all of the available programs and applying to the program that seems the best suited to one's needs and interests. The students should research the faculty in the program and learn about the work that each professor has done in his own career. This is a good way to pick a well-suited program.

For students who will need financial assistance, programs that offer stipends or tuition remittance should be targeted. For students who are not able to relocate for school, local programs should be researched. If there are no local programs, it is possible for a student to complete a master's degree in biology through an online institution. There are many online colleges that off master's programs. These programs allow students to study and complete their degrees no matter where they live.