Biology Master's Education

Brown/Pfizer Master of Arts in Biology

This program is a unique benefit for Pfizer employees who wish to extend their knowledge within the biological sciences and potentially gain the Master of Arts in Biology.

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Brown/Pfizer Master of Arts in Biology

This program is a unique benefit for Pfizer employees who wish to extend their knowledge within the biological sciences and potentially gain the Master of Arts in Biology.

This program is a unique benefit for Pfizer employees who wish to extend their knowledge within the biological sciences and potentially gain the Master of Arts in Biology. The only prerequisite is a bachelor’s degree in any field.

Students take one graduate biology course per semester (fall, spring). After the successful completion of two such courses, students may apply to the Brown University Division of Master's and Professional Programs for admittance. The Master of Arts in Biology requires eight courses, two being “core” subjects (Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or Pharmacology). Additionally, a final research paper on a pre-approved topic is required for graduation.

Enrollment

Enrollment in courses must be approved on a semester-by-semester basis. Enrollment confirmation and change of status requests (dropping a course, change of grade option) are processed by emailing Meagan Pepper-Estes. Grades and transcripts are processed and mailed to students by the Brown Registrar's Office.

The following materials should be submitted as part of your application for the Pfizer Program course enrollment at least one month prior to the start of the term:

Registration Form
Statement describing your interest in taking coursework at Brown University. Note: This letter of intent need only be filed once unless the student has a change in plans of which we should be informed.

Pfizer employees should also consult with the Pfizer Human Resources Department to ensure that they have complied with all procedures required by their employer.

The deadline for enrollment in a course is the end of the week after the first class meeting.

Earlier enrollment than this is encouraged, although students are welcomed to visit the class once before making their enrollment decision.

The deadline to drop a course is the end of the second class week.

To drop a course you must submit an email to Meagan Pepper-Estes by this deadline. The Brown University refund policy can be found on the Bursar's site.

Academic Policies

Taking a course for credit means that the student must meet all the course requirements as specified by the instructor. Students are also subject to the same academic policies regarding course prerequisites, grading options and extension of work as any other Brown student. These policies are outlined in the University Course Announcement Bulletin and are available through the publications of the Office of Continuing Education.

Enrollment does not imply admission to candidacy for a degree. Individuals interested in admission as a graduate student should review the How to Apply section below and contact Meagan Pepper-Estes with any questions.

No financial aid is available for visiting students through Brown University. Students should consult employer policies regarding reimbursement for tuition and fees,

Degree Requirements

To satisfy degree requirements for the Master of Arts in Biology, students in the Brown/Pfizer program must complete eight (8) graduate courses:

2 of the 8 courses must be in “core” subjects: Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, and Pharmacology
6 of the 8 courses must be completed with a grade of “B” or better

Successfully complete a “culminating experience” on topic approved by the Associate Dean. There are two options for the culminating experience: 1) an NIH style research proposal based on an original hypothesis or 2) a final paper which, based on the course work taken by the student, represents an original in-depth analysis and literature review of a problem in modern biology. Students will receive notification about specific paper requirements and deadlines at the beginning of the academic year.

How to Apply

Students interested in pursuing the Master of Arts in Biology program may apply for admission to the Division of Master's and Professional Programs after the successful completion of at least two courses. This application indicates serious intent to complete degree requirements. Please contact Meagan Pepper-Estes if you have any questions.

Graduate School application

Application Materials

You will need to indicate the term in which you plan to enroll (typically, this will be the beginning of the next semester - Spring or Fall).

You must complete the application with the necessary information and be sure to include:

College transcript showing conferral of Bachelor's Degree
A Personal Statement
Identify at least one person who will submit a letter of recommendation for you - the required letter should be from your supervisor at Pfizer
GRE Scores are not required and do not have to be submitted

You must submit your application electronically. At least two (2) weeks prior to submitting, please contact Meagan Pepper-Estes to notify us that you plan to submit your application and discuss the application fee waiver.

Once your application has been submitted and the Associate Dean reviews and decides that the applicant is sufficiently qualified, the Associate Dean will recommend the student for admission to the Master of Arts in Biology. You will be notified via email once your decision has been posted.

Tuition and Fees

2026-2027 Graduate Student Tuition & Fees

Tuition (per course): $9,320

Annual cost of tuition and required graduate student fees are listed on the Student Financial Services website, including a description of the required fees. *Fees may vary for remote students. Please email Meagan Pepper-Estes for more information.

Tuition and fees must be paid prior to the start of classes.

Payment for student account charges are accepted by mail, wire transfer, electronically, and by participation in the interest free Brown Installment Payment Plan (IPP). Payment by any of the mentioned methods is expected by the established deadlines to avoid the assessment of a Late Payment Charge.

New students will receive a 25% tuition discount for the 2026-2027 academic year. To learn more, email Meagan Pepper-Estes.

Payment Options

Please review the Brown Student Payment page for complete information about tuition payments.

For information about processing payments, please contact the Cashier's office at (401) 863-1280.

Sample Courses

Fall 2026

“Cancer Biology” (BIOL 1290)

Instructor: Professor Patrycja Dubielecka-Szczerba

Course Location/Format: This class will be online (via Zoom)

Time: TBD
Classes Start: September 2026 (date TBD)

Course Description: Coming soon!

Spring 2026

"Biology of the Eukaryotic Cell" (BIOL 2050)
Instructor: Professor Chuck Toth
Course Location: This class will be online (via Zoom)
Time: Tuesdays, 3-6pm (EST)
Classes Start: January 27, 2026|
Course Description: BIOL 2050 examines subcellular processes and macromolecular complexes of eukaryotic cells with respect to structural and functional roles in major cellular activities. It emphasizes the experimental basis for knowledge in modern cell biology using original literature. Course content will cover cellular and molecular techniques in cell biology, functions of cellular compartments and organelles, and the organization and expression of genetic information in eukaryotes, comparing normal and pathological states. Application to drug development will be emphasized.

Identify and critically evaluate key questions, concerns, and approaches of eukaryotic cell biology.
Apply knowledge of normal cellular and molecular processes, related pathological conditions, and understanding of the drug development process to creation of a grant proposal.

Fall 2025

"Molecular Targets of Drug Discovery" (BIOL 2145)
Instructor: Professor Diana Horrigan
Course Location: This class will be online (via Zoom)
Time: Wednesdays, 3-6pm (EST)
Classes Start: September 3, 2025
Course Description: The overall goal of this course is to provide students with a solid understanding of the ways in which therapeutic
targets are identified and selected. A variety of targets will be discussed as they relate to a particular disease condition. Students will be exposed to experts in the field

Learning Outcomes:

Describe the methods essential for identifying a drug target.
Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of methods and assays used in the process of drug discovery and development.
Describe the characteristics of specific drug targets and identify key principles that are considered in the process of drug discovery.
Apply the principles of drug discovery and development by designing a drug for a chosen target and giving an oral presentation in class.
Discuss the practical and analytical skills required for a career in the pharmaceutical industry with experts in the field.

For a complete list of previous courses and syllabi, please email Meagan Pepper-Estes.