Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences

The graduate Program in Biological Sciences provides our students with training across the foundational areas of the biological sciences as well as an in depth opportunity to train with our faculty whilst engaging in state-of-the-art research. Our program prepares students for a variety of careers in science that includes academic research and teaching as well as working with governmental agencies and the ever-growing opportunities in various biotech sectors. Students in the program develop critical thinking skills and technical expertise through dissertation research, beginning with a firm foundation of course work, seminars, and a wide range of professional development activities.

The research interests of the faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences are inherently diverse, ranging from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems. For that reason, our graduate program is highly flexible, which allows students and their faculty mentors to design paths that maximize the growth of each individual student. The biological sciences program also offers training in teaching, and all graduate students serve as a teaching assistant for at least one semester during their graduate training.

First year graduate students engage in course work, professional development exercises, and laboratory research rotations. This combination allows each student to grow in multiple areas of biology while also identifying an area of specific interest. Students then select a mentor and begin dissertation research in their lab of choice. Specific requirements for completion of the doctorate in biological sciences are detailed in the curriculum section of this website.

Applicant must have undergraduate programs emphasizing biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics, or physics course work, but students from other disciplines are also eligible.

The minimum acceptable score on the paper-based TOEFL is 570, and for the Internet-based test, 88. Many programs, however, require a considerably higher level of proficiency.

For IELTS, the minimum acceptable score will vary by program. In many cases, a score of at least 7.0 is desirable.