biology graduate phd programs

Graduate Admissions

Helpful guides for applying to the biology phd program, tips for applying to the cmob track, tips for applying to the eco/evo track.

The PhD program trains students for careers in research and teaching. In addition to a wide range of courses, the PhD program offers informal but intensive instruction in laboratories and seminars, characterized by close contact between students and their faculty advisors. Biology is one of fourteen home programs  in the  Biosciences,  which span the School of Medicine and the School of Humanities and Sciences.

How to Apply

For the 2023-2024 PhD application season, application processes will be run through existing Biology (School of Humanities & Sciences)  and the Oceans Department(Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability). 

Previously part of the Biology Department , Hopkins Marine Station is now part of the Oceans Department within the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability (SDSS).  Several faculty took appointments in Oceans, while others chose to stay in Biology; still others have joint appointments.  Additionally, several faculty members in Ecology/Evolutionary Biology now have joint appointments within Biology and SDSS. Based on these changes, the following information will provide further guidance for the application process. 

• Faculty with 100% appointments in Biology, will only recruit through Biology.  The Biology application will be used.
• Ecology/Evolutionary Biology faculty with 50/50 appointments in both Biology and SDSS will recruit students through either Biology or Earth Systems Science .  If you are interested in working with Ecology/Evolutionary faculty with joint Biology/SDSS appointments, you should reach out to them directly regarding the appropriate application track to choose. 
• 100% Oceans faculty will only be recruiting students through the Earth Systems Science application.
• Oceans faculty appointed 50/50 in Biology and SDSS (Oceans Department), will recruit students through either Biology or Earth Systems Science .  If you are interested in working with Oceans faculty with joint Biology/SDSS appointments, you should reach out to the individual faculty members you hope to work with regarding the appropriate application and track to choose. 

Faculty Affiliated with the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability

Oceans Department:

Fio Micheli 100% 

Jeremy Goldbogen 100%

Giulio De Leo 100%

Larry Crowder 100%

Steve Palumbi 50% Oceans/50%Biology

Barbara Block 50% Oceans/50% Biology

*Note Chris Lowe will remain 100% in Biology

Ecology/Evolution

Liz Hadly 50% SDSS/50%Biology

Rodolfo Dirzo 50% SDSS/50%Biology

Tad Fukami 50% SDSS/50%Biology

Kabir Peay 50% SDSS/50%Biology

Chris Field 50% SDSS/50% Biology

Gretchen Daily 50% SDSS/50% Biology

Application and Deadline

Stanford Biology PhD Program applications are made through Graduate Admissions . The application deadline for Autumn Quarter 2024 matriculation is December 5, 2023 at 11:59pm pst.  The application for the Autumn 2024 cohort will be available in September 2023.  Please review the Graduate Admissions website prior to starting your application. Applications are considered for admission in Autumn Quarter only. 

Application Status

To check your application status,  click here to Visit Your Status Page .  

Requirements

• U.S. Bachelor's degree or its foreign equivalent
• Stanford Graduate application
• Non-refundable application fee of $125 (or fee waiver found here ) 
• Statement of Purpose
• Three Letters of Recommendation (a maximum of four letters will be accepted)
• Transcripts - Unofficial transcripts from all universities and colleges you've attended for one year or more must be uploaded to the online application.  Graduate Admissions only requires admitted applicants who accept the offer of admission to submit official transcripts that shows their degree conferral. Please do not send or have sent any official transcripts to us at this time.
• TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language (required for non-native English speakers)
• A current Curriculum Vitae/Resume

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Join dozens of  Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students  who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as  Knight-Hennessy Scholars  (KHS). KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford. Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment. If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about  KHS admission .

Biology PhD Program General Information

Diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging.

The Department of Biology recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision. The Department of Biology welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. Review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays in order to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field.Please see the websites below for more resources.

• Diversity and Engagement in Biosciences PhD Programs
• Vice Provost for Graduate Education
• Biology Equity and Belonging
• Research Sites
• Faculty Profiles and Labs
• Inquiries about the PhD in Biology should be directed to  biologyadmissions [at] lists.stanford.edu (biologyadmissions[at]lists[dot]stanford[dot]edu)

Biology Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 396 results

MIT School of Science

• Cambridge, MA ·
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology ·
• Graduate School

Massachusetts Institute of Technology ,

Graduate School ,

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

Stanford University Department of Humanities and Sciences

• Stanford, CA ·
• Stanford University ·

Stanford University ,

STANFORD, CA ,

Stanford University School of Medicine

• · Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says I begin in the Fall of 2023--Based on my interview, and pre-classes I have taken this program is amazing. It is very student-centered. .

Read 3 reviews.

Lehigh University

• Graduate School ·
• BETHLEHEM, PA
• · Rating 4.45 out of 5   20

Mississippi College

• CLINTON, MS
• · Rating 4.37 out of 5   35

University of North Texas

• · Rating 4.6 out of 5   131

Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

• Harvard University ·
• · Rating 4.56 out of 5   9 reviews

Harvard University ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student'... .

Read 9 reviews.

Harvard Medical School

• Boston, MA ·
• · Rating 4.94 out of 5   17 reviews

BOSTON, MA ,

17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.9 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says There is a tight-knit community at the program, ensuring that there is constant collaboration and that no students feel behind. It is very fast-paced given the condensed nature, but extremely... .

Read 17 reviews.

Duke University School of Medicine

• Durham, NC ·
• Duke University ·
• · Rating 4.76 out of 5   17 reviews

Duke University ,

DURHAM, NC ,

17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Professors are incredible, always willing to go the extra mile to help students succeed. Curriculum is designed to prepare students to be successful therapists. This program is truly incredible. .

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Brown University Graduate School

• Providence, RI ·
• Brown University ·

Brown University ,

PROVIDENCE, RI ,

School of Arts & Sciences - University of Pennsylvania

• Philadelphia, PA ·
• University of Pennsylvania ·

University of Pennsylvania ,

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

• Evanston, IL ·
• Northwestern University ·

Northwestern University ,

EVANSTON, IL ,

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

• Nashville, TN ·
• Vanderbilt University ·
• · Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Vanderbilt University ,

NASHVILLE, TN ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Loved my experience! Great teachers, easy to access, clear cut goals in class, great clinical experiences. .

Read 2 reviews.

Washington University in St. Louis - Arts & Sciences

• St. Louis, MO ·
• Washington University in St. Louis ·

Washington University in St. Louis ,

ST. LOUIS, MO ,

Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies

• Hanover, NH ·
• Dartmouth College ·
• · Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Dartmouth College ,

HANOVER, NH ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I had a beautiful life-changing experience at the grand Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. The Guarini graduate program MALS created so many beautiful opportunities in interdisciplinary... .

Read 1 reviews.

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• Biostatistics Graduate Programs
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Division of Biology and Biological Engineering - California Institute of Technology

• Pasadena, CA ·
• California Institute of Technology ·

California Institute of Technology ,

PASADENA, CA ,

College of Science - University of Notre Dame

• Notre Dame, IN ·
• University of Notre Dame ·

University of Notre Dame ,

NOTRE DAME, IN ,

Biological Sciences Division - University of Chicago

• Chicago, IL ·
• University of Chicago ·
• · Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

University of Chicago ,

CHICAGO, IL ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says So far so good. Nothing out of the ordinary. Professors are knowledgeable. I would say to ensure that you know your interests and work closely with the advisors to pick suitable classes. .

Pritzker School of Medicine

Dornsife college of letters, arts and sciences.

• Los Angeles, CA ·
• University of Southern California ·

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

Cornell University College of Arts & Sciences

• Ithaca, NY ·
• Cornell University ·

Cornell University ,

ITHACA, NY ,

Georgetown University School of Medicine

• Nw Washington, DC ·
• Georgetown University ·
• · Rating 4.75 out of 5   4 reviews

Georgetown University ,

NW WASHINGTON, DC ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Compressed pre-clinical work. Administration has been working on finding better and better educators, as well as hiring more learning specialists for the student body. Could have more focus on Step 1... .

Read 4 reviews.

School of Arts and Sciences - Tufts University

• Medford, MA ·
• Tufts University ·
• · Rating 4 out of 5   4 reviews

Tufts University ,

MEDFORD, MA ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says My experience was mostly great! I felt supported by faculty and staff and became involved in student activities. It was just unfortunate that my on-campus experience was cut short due to the pandemic... .

UCLA College of Letters and Science

• University of California - Los Angeles ·
• · Rating 3 out of 5   1 review

University of California - Los Angeles ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.

Krieger School of Arts & Sciences

• Baltimore, MD ·
• Johns Hopkins University ·
• · Rating 4.53 out of 5   19 reviews

Johns Hopkins University ,

BALTIMORE, MD ,

19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student... .

Read 19 reviews.

Mellon College of Science

• Pittsburgh, PA ·
• Carnegie Mellon University ·

Blue checkmark.

Carnegie Mellon University ,

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - University of Virginia

• Charlottesville, VA ·
• University of Virginia ·

University of Virginia ,

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA ,

Featured Review: Alum says Very good in some areas, excellent in other areas, many academic choices available in all areas of study .

College of Sciences - Georgia Institute of Technology

• Atlanta, GA ·
• Georgia Institute of Technology ·

Georgia Institute of Technology ,

ATLANTA, GA ,

Featured Review: Other says Georgia Tech is among the top colleges you can attend. My journey there had its highs and lows, but looking back, every experience contributed significantly to my growth. A piece of advice I'd offer... .

College of Arts, Sciences, and Education - University of Michigan - Flint

• University of Michigan - Flint ·

College of Arts and Sciences - American University

• American University ·
• WASHINGTON, DC

College of Science and Engineering - San Francisco State University

• San Francisco State University ·
• SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Showing results 1 through 25 of 396

Molecular and Cellular Biology

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In this interdisciplinary program, you will interact with students and faculty who have diverse backgrounds in chemistry, marine biology, computational biology, and others. The skills you will learn in your first year include coding, how to write fellowships, and how to give scientific talks to a non-science audience. You will begin bonding with your small cohort of fellow students with an annual trip to Cape Cod to talk about science at the beginning of the academic year.

Dissertations that students have completed include "Characterization of the epigenetic regulator LSD1 as a Druggable Dependency in Treatment of Resistant Melanoma" and "Circadian Clocks in the Real World: Effects of Dynamic Light Regimes on the Regulation of Circadian Gene Expression in Cyanobacteria."

Graduates have secured positions in industry with companies such as Google, Genentech, and Novartis. Others serve in academic positions at many prestigious schools including Harvard, Caltech, Stanford, and MIT among others.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology , and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .

Areas of Study

Molecules, Cells, and Organisms

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology .

Academic Background

Applicants should have a record of introductory courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. While the following courses should not be regarded as prerequisites for admission to graduate study, most admitted students have completed these courses as undergraduates:

• Biology (at least one general course in biology and two terms of biology at a more advanced level)
• Biochemistry
• Organic chemistry
• Physical chemistry
• Physics (a general course)
• Mathematics (a basic knowledge of differential and integral calculus). Competence in elementary programming is also desirable.
• Laboratory in biology, biochemistry, or instrumental analysis.

Statement of Purpose

Describe your reasons and motivations for pursuing a graduate degree in your chosen degree program, noting the experiences that shaped your research ambitions, indicating briefly your career objectives and concisely stating your past work in your intended field of study and in related fields. Your statement should not exceed 1,000 words.

In addition to the above guidance, your statement of purpose should also address the following questions:

• The focus of this question should be a discovery in which you had substantial engagement and personal impact on the research. Do not reference a large group project simply because it was interesting. 
• If you have not had significant research experience, please describe a scientific discovery that motivated you to pursue research. 
• Using simple language, describe what you or others did, why, and what it means.
• Molecular Mechanism
• Cell and Developmental Biology
• Molecular Ecology and Evolution
• Choose two MCO faculty members that you are interested to work with and explain why using a specific example from their published work.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Not Accepted iBT TOEFL preferred minimum score: 100 IELTS preferred minimum score: 7

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Molecular and Cellular Biology

See list of Molecular and Cellular Biology faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

Best Biological Sciences Programs

Ranked in 2022, part of Best Science Schools

A graduate degree in biological sciences gives students

A graduate degree in biological sciences gives students a broad base of knowledge in the life sciences. The discipline also offers many specialties, such as cell or molecular biology. These are the best schools for biological sciences. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

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Graduate program.

Duke Biology offers diverse training opportunities for students seeking a Ph.D. degree in biological sciences. Our program is highly flexible, allowing students to design the path that best fits their professional needs. Our students spend the majority of their time engaged in innovative research, and have the opportunity to interact and collaborate with researchers from a wide range of fields. 

The graduate students in the Biology Department (Biograds) are integral to the department and community. Contributions include: running weekly happy hours and prospective student recruitment weekends as well as organizing seminars, journal clubs, teaching-assistant training orientation, and diversity-themed workshops.

Program Requirements

Requirements for the Ph.D. include course work, participation in seminars relevant to your field of research, successful completion of an oral qualifying examination, one year of teaching experience, completion and defense of a research dissertation under faculty guidance.

Affiliated Graduate Programs

Duke Biology is involved in multiple University-wide graduate programs, which link researchers across different departments and schools at Duke – most notably the basic sciences departments in the  Duke University Medical Center  and the  Nicholas School of Earth and Ocean Sciences .

For Prospective Students

Learn more about our degree, our university, and our community. We'll explain the application process, financial support, and more.

• For Current Students

We've compiled resources to assist you while working toward your Ph.D. – from requirements and fellowships, to milestones, useful Duke links, and more.

Learn more about the application process, deadlines and other resources for our candidates.

Review Application Information

• Duke Biology’s Mission Statement
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• Learning from Baboons: Dr. Susan Alberts
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• How Cells Manage Stress: Dr. Gustavo Silva
• Predator-Prey Interactions in a Changing World: Dr. Jean Philippe Gibert
• Exploring the Extracellular Matrix: Dr. David Sherwood
• Cell Division's Missing Link: Dr. Masayuki Onishi
• Listening in to Birdsong: Dr. Steve Nowicki
• Biogeochemistry as Ecosystem Accounting: Dr. Emily Bernhardt
• Building a Dynamic Nervous System: Dr. Pelin Volkan
• Investigating a Key Plant Hormone: Dr. Lucia Strader
• Imagining Visual Ecology: Dr. Sönke Johnsen
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Molecular and Cell Biology

Doctoral Program

The Department of Molecular & Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley offers a Ph.D. program focused on the molecular mechanisms inherent to life. This program integrates research with a modern training curricula, teaching, and career mentorship. Our Department is highly interdisciplinary - comprising the Divisions of Cell Biology, Development & Physiology, Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Neurobiology, Biochemistry, Biophysics & Structural Biology, and Genetics, Genomics, and Development – and this is reflected in our students and training. The program is also highly collaborative with related programs and Institutes on campus, thus allowing students the flexibility to explore all aspects of modern biological research. Please click on the links below to learn more about our areas of research on the main department website or use the menu at the top to navigate to areas of interest within the graduate program.

Cell Biology, Development & Physiology

Immunology and molecular medicine, neurobiology, biochemistry, biophysics & structural biology, molecular therapeutics, genetics, genomics, evolution, and development.

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Innovation in Education

Our program teaches the essential research and communication skills for a career as an independent scientist.

Sophia Xu PhD '23

I thought finding compelling science would be my top priority when I chose where to go for grad school. This is certainly true of MIT Biology, but when I visited the department, I also found faculty who cared that their students were happy and well-rounded. Together, these factors convinced me that MIT was the right fit for me. My PhD advisor, Jing-Ke Weng, also emphasizes hiring people who support each other’s diverse interests both in and out of the lab.

Read our admissions response to COVID-19

Hear from some of our current and former students, what do our alumni do explore alumni statistics, funding opportunities.

Learn about external scholarships and fellowships for graduate students

Learn about a new project that matches first-year grad students with more senior students

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Graduate program.

Thank you for taking the time to explore the University of Washington’s doctoral program in Biology. As you browse these pages, you will see that we value a diversity of people and approaches to solve the most important problems in Biology. Accordingly, the Department of Biology has an unusual breadth of top-notch faculty, postdocs, and students who study topics at spatial scales ranging from molecules to the entire planet.

Your individual scholarship and research are the highest priority while you are studying at the University of Washington. Through assistantships, assistance with grant proposals, and over a dozen departmental awards, our department works to open every avenue for you succeed in your research. And your opportunities aren’t limited to Biology. We encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to collaborate with faculty throughout the University, as many of our faculty do.

These efforts are facilitated by Seattle’s position as a major intellectual hub. From cutting edge research foundations to the slopes of Mt. Rainier, the Pacific Northwest provides opportunities for biologists to enhance their learning at every turn. Additionally, the University of Washington has been the leading recipient of federal research funding—now more than $1 billion per year—among public universities for more than 20 years.

We look forward to receiving your application and discussing the exciting opportunities available to you.

Takato Imaizumi, Chair for the Graduate Program

David Perkel, Chair

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PhD in Biology

The PhD program in Biology is a research-intensive program that also has a strong focus on teaching, designed to produce top scientists and educators with a broad base of knowledge to tackle the most important biological problems of today. This is accomplished through research training, graduate-level courses, seminars, and teaching experience. Entering students are assigned an advisory committee of three faculty members who work with the student to plan a suitable program based on the student's experience and interests.

PhD students in Biology receive full tuition support for six years, a competitive stipend, health coverage, and receive extensive training in pedagogy, outreach, and communication that prepares them for careers in academia, biotechnology, education, and policy. Students are required to serve as teaching assistants for at least two semesters. Most students complete the requirement for teaching experience in the first year by assisting in the introductory undergraduate biology courses for two semesters.

During the first year, students become familiar with research opportunities in the department by doing short research rotations with various faculty members. This experience in expected to lead to the selection of a research focus for the PhD thesis, and it also sets the stage for cross-disciplinary approaches to the thesis topic that is pursued.

First- and second-year students usually take some graduate courses that are selected in consultation with the advisory committee, in addition to one required course: either Biology 243: Topics in Molecular and Cell Biology; Biology 244: Topics in Evolutionary Ecology; or Biology 246: Topics in Physiology and Animal Behavior.

The department faculty are educators as well as researchers, and the graduate students benefit from this expertise. Graduate students serving as teaching assistants have the opportunity to take a course on teaching and pedagogy to improve their skills, or to become involved with upper level courses in their area of expertise. In addition, we offer a one-month summer program for PhD students interested in contributing to course design and honing their teaching skills via GIFT, the Graduate Institute For Teaching .

Research Concentrations

Browse the six concentration areas below for recommended programs of study and relevant courses:

• Biology Education Research
• Ecology, Behavior and Evolution
• Global Change Biology
• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Physiology, Neurobiology and Animal Behavior

Graduate credit for a course requires a grade of B- (B minus) or better. A list of biology department undergraduate and graduate courses can be found by selecting the Courses button from the top bar.

Throughout the year, graduate students benefit from a variety of seminars on current research that are presented by faculty, fellow graduate students, and invited speakers.

Biology@Berkeley

Graduate programs.

UC Berkeley has many excellent graduate programs. Those in fields related to the biological sciences are listed below. Interested students should visit the Prospective Student page for information about applying to UC Berkeley graduate programs.

Departments and Graduate Groups

• Bioengineering
• Biostatistics
• Comparative Biochemistry
• Computational Biology
• Endocrinology
• Environmental Health Science
• Environmental Science, Policy, and Management
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases and Immunity
• Integrative Biology
• Metabolic Biology
• Microbiology
• Molecular & Cell Biology
• Molecular and Biochemical Nutrition
• Molecular Toxicology
• Neuroscience
• Plant Biology
• Public Health
• Vision Science

Designated Emphases

The following programs do not accept applicants directly, but instead accept students from specific programs above who would like to specialize in their topic.

• Computational and Genomic Biology
• Chemical Biology
• Nanoscale Science and Engineering

Biology Graduate Program

Cell & molecular biology, ecology, behavior & evolution, marine biology, neurobiology, learn more about our  master of science (ms)  degree or  doctor of philosophy (phd) degree programs..

Students may take advantage of the full breadth of training in modern biology offered in the department through their choice of elective courses, teaching experiences, and department-wide seminars. Through these as well as the career presentations and opportunities for networking offered by the Biology Graduate Student Association and the Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (GWISE) group, graduate students in biology enjoy a highly interactive environment and training that provides excellent preparation for a variety of careers in the biological sciences. Upon completion of the MS or PhD, students should be prepared for post-graduate training and on track to assume teaching and/or research positions in academia, industry, government agencies or non-government organizations. Those who decide to leave academia should feel well prepared to apply their skills in legal and/or consulting professions.

Boston University recently announced the start of the National Science Foundation National Research Traineeship Program (NRT) Understanding the Brain: Neurophotonics (NSF NRT UtB: Neurophotonics) . This is a university-wide community of doctoral students in biology, neuroscience, biophysics, biomedical, and mechanical engineering with focused professional development and graduate training in neurophotonics. The NRT program in Neurophotonics will include research that uses light and photo-activated materials to study, control, and image neurons and neural circuits with cellular and sub-cellular resolution.

Biology faculty are also involved in several other interdisciplinary graduate programs, including Bioinformatics ; Biogeoscience ; BU URBAN ; Neuroscience ; and Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry .

For more information on applying to our graduate programs, contact the Graduate Program Specialists for the Biology Department, at [email protected] .

BA/MA in Biotechnology

The BA/MA in Biotechnology is a five-year program open to Boston University undergraduates pursuing a BA in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Students earn both degrees by completing a total of 38 courses that comprise many of the elements of standard degree programs in biology and chemistry, augmented by advanced-level courses in recombinant DNA techniques, molecular cell biology, and protein technology. View a more detailed description of the program on the CAS Bulletin website . Further information may also be obtained from the Undergraduate Program Specialist  for the Department of Biology.

The PhD program in Biology provides both a broad background knowledge base and an in-depth study of a specialized area of biology. Students can choose to pursue a concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology or Molecular Microbiology.

The PhD program in Biology emphasizes close interaction between graduate students and faculty in developing the intellectual and experimental skills required for creative independent research. To be considered for admission to the doctoral program, a student must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, preferably in a biological science. Individuals with degrees in other natural sciences may be considered, depending on their interests and background.

A minimum GPA of 3.000 for all graduate work is required for the award of the PhD degree. All regulations of the Graduate School regarding maintenance of academic standing apply.

The Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology Group studies questions related to organismal development, aging, regeneration and repair. Our unifying theme is an interest in discovering how organisms build and rebuild tissues during development, after injury, and during aging. Studies in worm, fish, axolotl, mouse, and human tissue culture are providing insights into the development, function, and aging of multiple organ systems. We use genomic and proteomic analyses, and biological imaging approaches, to understand the roles and regulatory networks underlying tissue development and repair.

Biomechanics, Neurobiology, and Behavior Group pursues distinct interests, with a special emphasis on motor learning and control, biomechanics, circadian rhythms, neurogenesis and neural regeneration. Animal models run the gamut from jellyfish and termites to fish and human subjects. Research threads include the social behavior of insects, the neural architectures underlying rhythms, movement and goal-directed behaviors in humans and model organisms, and adult neurogenesis and neuronal regeneration in teleost fish.

Molecular Microbiology Group is interested in understanding the rise of multidrug resistant pathogens. Hence the focus of this group intersects strongly with that of the University in the areas of health and security. The Molecular Microbiology group investigates the bases of dormant persister cells, uncultured bacteria, composition and function of the human and environmental microbiomes, mechanisms underlying mutagenesis, regulation of the DNA damage response, and bacterial development including biofilm formation. Further strengths include the development of platforms for the discovery of new antimicrobials.

• Concentrations in Cell and Molecular Biology or Molecular Microbiology
• Bachelor’s and Advanced-degree entry are possible
• Boston residence requirement of one year of full-time graduate work on campus

Our graduates pursue careers within academia and beyond.

• Booz Allen Hamilton
• Albert Einstein College of Medicine
• Agios Pharmaceuticals
• Masschusetts General Hospital

Application Materials

Application.

• Application fee – US $100
• Unofficial transcripts for all institutions attended (Official transcripts required upon acceptance of admission offer)
• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE General – recommended, but not required
• Proof of English Proficiency for all applicants

Our priority deadline is December 1 with rolling admissions until March 15, based on space available.

We only admit degree program students for fall semesters.

• Program Website

Request Information for PhD in Biology

Biology, PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Biology

The PhD program in biology offers individualized courses of study tailored to students' interests that include laboratory, field and theoretical work. Flexibility in the program is achieved by requiring only one core class, which is a choice between two topics that cover the breadth of the research directions in this program.

Electives are also as flexible as possible and include areas outside of biology. The major goal is to provide students with the opportunity to create an adaptable and general degree program that allows both traditional and interdisciplinary approaches in any area of biology.

Program Faculty   PhD Students

• BIO 792 Research
• BIO 514 Statistical Models for Biology
• BIO 522 Populations: Evolutionary Ecology
• BIO 507 Advanced Evolutionary Medicine
• BIO 521 Landscape Ecology
• BIO 530 Scientific Teaching (required in first semester for students that will TA at any point in degree)
• BIO 533 K-12 STEM Education & Outreach
• BIO 539 Computing for Research
• BIO 541 SOLS Seminar Series
• BIO 542 SOLS Current Topics in the Life Sciences
• BIO 591 Society and Natural Resource Management
• BIO 591 Social-Ecological Systems & Adaptation
• BIO 591 Drylands in a Changing Earth
• BIO 591 Population Genetic Reading Group
• BIO 591 Communication for Scientists
• BIO 591 Genetics and Genomics of Behavior
• BIO 620 Research Prospectus Writing
• EVO 501 Current Topics in Evolutionary Biology
• EVO 601 Principles of Evolution
• EVO 610 Research Areas of Evolution

Application and admission information

How to apply.

Applications open September 1 for admission in Fall of the following year. The application deadline is December 1 . We accept applications for Fall semesters only. We cannot guarantee that applications received after the December 1 deadline will be considered for admission.

All applicants must apply by filling out ASU's Graduate Admissions application. All application materials must be submitted through the application or to Graduate Admissions directly. Please do not mail or email any documents to the School of Life Sciences. 

Required materials and information include the following:

• 1-2 page personal statement
• An up to date CV or resume
• The names of relevant SOLS faculty you have been in touch with who you might be interested in being supervised by
• Unofficial transcripts and English proficiency test scores (if applicable)
• The names and emails of at least 3 recommenders to write you letters of recommendation

Application review process and timeline

Following the December 1 deadline, faculty will begin reviewing applications. Applicants should monitor their My ASU priority tasks to ensure there are no missing materials in their application.

Faculty will decide which applicants they would like to invite to our Graduate Recruitment Weekends (GRWs), typically held in February. Applicants will hear from the School of Life Sciences in January if they are invited to participate in the GRWs.

Admission decisions will begin after the GRWs, and applicants typically receive final decisions by April 1.

Requirements

Minimum requirements for admission include the following:

• Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• There are other ways to demonstrate English proficiency beyond the tests, so please refer to ASU's English proficiency webpage to review how you might satisfy requirements

Desired qualifications typically seen in competitive candidates:

• Research experience and a letter of recommendation from a faculty research supervisor
• English proficiency scores that meet these teaching assistant language proficiency requirements

Please note that the GRE is not required.

Students offered admission to a PhD program in the School of Life Sciences will typically receive a funding offer as well. While individual funding offers may differ to some degree, they typically include teaching assistant and/or research assistant positions each semester (summer optional) for 5 years. These positions provide financial coverage through the following:

• A standard salary stipend paid biweekly
• Tuition remission covering enrollment in 6-18 credit hours for fall and spring semesters and 1-14 credit hours for summer semesters
• Health insurance coverage

To discover more, check out the ASU Graduate College's funding opportunities !

Degree Requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (3 or 4 credit hours) BIO 514 Statistical Models for Biology (4) or BIO 620 Research Prospectus Writing (3)

Electives (67 or 68 credit hours)

Other Requirements (1 credit hour) BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research in Life Sciences (1)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) BIO 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information The program is tailored to the needs of the individual student. The plan of study is developed by the student and a supervisory committee consisting of a major professor and three additional faculty members. The electives credit hours are comprised of coursework showing breadth in biology subdisciplines, seminars and research.

An oral comprehensive examination is required in order to advance to candidacy, and a formal defense of the final written dissertation is required prior to graduation.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in biology or a related discipline from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants must submit the following:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• academic record form
• personal statement
• curriculum vitae or resume
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Research experience is desired for entry into this program.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, learning outcomes.

• Able to communicate the findings and originality of their research, both orally and in writing.
• Able to perform research that they have designed to address important and challenging questions in the field of biology.
• Able to review scholarly literature as they develop specialized expertise in their selected research area.

Career Opportunities

Those who have earned a doctorate in biology are prepared for academic careers at every level, from community colleges to research universities. Their skills and knowledge are also valuable for government careers with federal and state agencies responsible for wildlife management and conservation, and for careers in industry and nongovernmental organizations.

Career examples include:

• food, agriculture and health care scientists in academic, private and industrial labs
• principal investigators in government labs and nonprofit organizations
• professors or instructors in universities and colleges
• science teachers in elementary and high schools
• wildlife, animal and conservation scientists

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-1768

Division of Biology and Medicine

Program in biology, graduate programs.

Brown University graduate students are equal partners in innovation and discovery, making significant contributions to many of the university's highest scientific achievements.

Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies provides services to graduate students and postdocs across the Division.

Graduate students in the life sciences benefit from working under the direction of accomplished mentors in an outstanding training environment. They play important roles as members of research teams with  Division  faculty, postdoctorates, and undergraduate students. Brown graduate students have a reputation for being equal partners in innovation and discovery, contributing to some of the highest scientific achievements to come out of Brown laboratories.

The Division's  six basic science departments  all participate in graduate training.

Graduate study at Brown comprises more than 15 degree programs and varied opportunities in postdoctoral scholarship. We offer comprehensive course work leading to the master of science (ScM) and doctor of philosophy (PhD). There is also a joint MD/PhD program offered in conjunction with The Warren Alpert Medical School .

Master's Programs

Biomedical engineering, biotechnology, fifth-year master's degree, brown/pfizer master of arts program, doctoral programs, computational biology, ecology, evolution, and organismal biology, molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry, neuroscience, pathobiology, therapeutic sciences, other programs.

MD/PhD Program

MD/PhD students may pursue the MD degree in conjunction with doctoral study in any of the graduate programs within the Division of Biology and Medicine.

• How to Apply
• Timeline to Ph.D.
• Graduate Assistant Support
• Forms & Handbook

Doctoral Programs

Basic biological research has evolved into a broad, fast-paced and dynamic profession that drives newly emerging industries and actively shapes many human endeavors. Both globally and locally, cutting-edge research at Texas A&M University strives to improve the ways people everywhere manage their health and the health of their planet. You can participate in the biological revolution by joining our graduate program at Texas A&M University. We invite you to learn about us and consider graduate study in the Department of Biology at Texas A&M University as your gateway to the future

Research and training at the forefront of biology

Our Graduate Program in Biology offers a diverse range of integrative training opportunities for students seeking a Ph.D. degree in cutting-edge biological research. Basic biological research continues to lead the way for the other life sciences, and advances in medicine and agriculture are based on key discoveries generated by basic research. The Biology Department offers Ph.D. degrees in both Biology and Microbiology.

The Biology department offers Ph.D. training with faculty who explore a diverse suite of disciplines in the biological sciences, including cell, molecular, and developmental biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, microbiology, biological clocks, genetics and genomics, neuroscience and behavior, plant biology, and physiology and systems biology. Many faculty research programs span multiple research areas and levels of biological organization, creating a dynamic training environment for graduate students. Evolutionary theory sets the stage for many cross-disciplinary programs and research collaborations among our diverse faculty. All students entering the program receive rigorous academic training and carry out their research in competitive, state-of-the-art research labs.

Dr. Heath Blackmon, Graduate Advisor

Jennifer Bradford, Assistant Program Director

HOW TO APPLY

Completed applications are due by december 1, 2023 for fall 2024 admittance.

Applicants should visit the Faculty Research Interests page to identify the most suitable labs. Applicants are encouraged to contact faculty directly to discuss prospects for rotations and should include this information in the Statement of Purpose.

Submit the on-line application through the Texas A&M Graduate CAS application portal.

In addition to the online application, you will need to submit the following:

1. A Statement of Purpose can be submitted through CAS: The statement of purpose should then explain why you want to pursue graduate studies, why you are applying to our department, your research interests, and a description of your previous research experience. In addition, applicants should visit Faculty Research Interests to identify labs of interest for rotations, and include this information in the Statement of Purpose.

2. Transcripts can be sent directly to the Texas A&M Office of Admissions (address below). While official transcripts are being sent to the university, you can upload unofficial transcripts in CAS.

• Official transcripts MUST be received before the start of the fall semester if admitted to the program.

3. Three Letters of Recommendation can be submitted through CAS.

4. TOEFL/IELTS scores :

• In order for your application to be considered, you should have a TOEFL score of above 100 total, with a speaking score of 23 or higher.
• IELTS scores should be above 7 total, with a speaking score of 7 or higher.
• For more information on what countries are exempt from TOEFL or IELTS, please see https://admissions.tamu.edu/apply/international/international-graduate under the “Proof of English Proficiency” section.

5. CV : Upload your resume or CV to CAS.

**We no longer take the GRE for graduate applicants.

Please do not send any materials directly to the Department of Biology. Everything should go to the Office of Admissions or uploaded through AIS.

TIMELINE TO PH.D.

The decision to enter graduate school is a decision to commit to a rigorous advanced scientific training program. Requirements for the Ph.D. include course work, participation in seminars relevant to the field of research, successful completion of an oral qualifying examination, one year of teaching experience, and completion of a research dissertation under faculty guidance.

The First Year Upon arriving at Texas A&M, we help you get acclimated to life in College Station and in the Department of Biology. You will meet your fellow entering students, who will undoubtedly be a source of friendship and moral support during graduate school and beyond. You also are introduced to our faculty and staff, who will help you become an integral part of our Department.

First year studies primarily involve coursework related to your chosen field. By the end of the first year, our students draw up a personalized degree plan with the help of an initial guidance committee. Laboratory rotations are completed by end of the first year, and students identify the lab in which they will carry out their dissertation research.

The Second Year During the second year, students complete required coursework and focus on learning the techniques they will be using to carry out their research. By the end of their second year, students are expected to have formally defined their research plan. Comprehensive written and oral qualifying exams are administered by the student’s dissertation committee members, and must be completed before the beginning of the third year. Passing the qualifying exam marks the student’s advancement to candidacy, and the remainder of graduate studies consists of dissertation research.

Third Year and Beyond During their third and fourth years, students carry out the research that will form the body of their dissertation. Coursework is limited to seminars and special topics courses related to their research. As a part of their training, students will make presentations of their research project to their peers, attend seminars and participate in journal clubs. To complete the requirements for a Ph.D., students prepare and defend their dissertation in a public presentation. This is typically completed at the end of the fifth year, although some students complete sooner and some later than this.

Laboratory rotations are a central component of our students’ first year. Our entering students work in three different laboratories during the first semester (5 weeks in each laboratory). Some students enter our program to work with a specific faculty sponsor, and take advantage of the rotation requirement to broaden their expertise in a complementary area. Most students, however, enter our program unattached to any specific lab. Rotations give our new students an opportunity after arriving at Texas A&M to identify the laboratory that is most suited to their research and academic interests. While most entering students decide on a permanent laboratory home after their second rotation, many choose to do one or two additional laboratory rotations.

The time spent in these rotations will help ensure that you make the right choice in advisors and are comfortable and excited about the lab you are entering and the people you will be working with.

GRADUATE ASSISTANT SUPPORT

All of our students are support through Graduate Assistantships, which are given in the form of Teaching Assistantships or Research Assistantships. As long as the student remains in good standing with the department and the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies, they will be fully supported until the degree is completed.

The Graduate Assistantships cover tuition and a living stipend of $2,500 per month. Students do not have to apply for the assistantships; we provide support to all admitted Ph.D. students.

FORMS & HANDBOOK

Department of biology graduate forms.

• First-Year Committee Meeting Form (pdf)
• Annual Committee Meeting Form (pdf)
• Ph. D. Handbook 2021
• Ph.D. Handbook 2018
• Ph.D. Handbook 2015
• Graduate Handbook 2012
• Graduate Handbook 2008

Office of Graduate Studies Forms

• All OGAPS forms must be filled out using tARCS, which is located in the Howdy portal.
• Research Proposal Approval Form
• Preliminary Examination Checklist and Report
• Request and Announcement of the Final Examination
• Request for Exemption from the Final Examination
• Written Dissertation Approval Form
• Written Thesis Approval Form
• Thesis, Dissertation, and Record of Study – Copyright Availability
• Final Exam Results forms

Degree Plans and Petitions (Course Change, Committee Change, MDD, etc.)

• Must be submitted via the DPSS website

Biology PhD Track Degree Plan

Required Courses for the First Long Semester (Fall, Year 1)

Required Courses for the Second Long Semester (Spring, Year 1)

Required Courses for the Third Long Semester (Fall, Year 2)

Required Courses for the Fourth Long Semester (Spring, Year 2 through Graduation)

Microbiology PhD Track Degree Plan

Student Post-Doc Research Conference

The Student Post-Doc Research Conference (SPRC) is an event that allows graduate students and post-docs to share their research with each other. Participants in the SPRC are required to create a poster of their work and then have the option to give a talk or participate in the Data Blitz.

The goal of the Data Blitz is to articulate a topic in a quick, insightful, and clear manner. These short talks (limited to 2 minutes) are intended to grab the attention of the audience and will allow for several presenters to share their ideas in a brief period of time.

Biology Graduate Student Association

The Biology Graduate Student Association (BioGSA) is a student-led organization that helps to create events for the graduate program. They have organized monthly Shop Talks, where students gather together to discuss their research in a relaxed environment; the annual kickball game that takes place before the start of the fall semester; and the International Festival that celebrates the many cultures and diversity in the department.

The BioGSA also holds yearly t-shirt sales to help raise funds for the organization.

Outreach Activities

The Department of Biology’s outreach committee is responsible for developing and maintaining outreach projects, such as STEM events at local schools, in the Bryan-College Station area. Over the last year, the outreach committee has created a sustainable program by meeting with schools in the area to assess need, obtaining resources for experiments, and collaborating with other departments. We have participated in STEM nights at schools in College Station, Navasota, and Bryan. We have also had volunteers participate at several outreach events for organizations such as, Women in Science and Engineering with the Expanding Your Horizons events as well as the Texas Junior Academy of Science, The Big Event, Chemistry Open House, The TAMU Ecological Integration Symposium, Physicsfest, BioBlitz and judge at local science fairs.

Student Research Week Student Research Week is a three day competition that highlights research occurring on the Texas A&M campus with an emphasis on research in which students participate. SRW provides a venue for students to present their work, both through oral presentations and posters. This event allows students, faculty, and the community to see the depth and breadth of research conducted at Texas A&M.

Graduate Resources and Development for Aggies Several Texas A&M offices providing support to graduate students have joined efforts to deliver a coordinated professional development program called G.R.A.D. Aggies, organized into four areas: Academic Development, Leadership and Communication Development, Instruction and Assessment and Career Development. The G.R.A.D. Aggies program supports the Texas A&M institutional Quality Enhancement Plan and provides high-impact learning experiences while promoting a commitment to learning for a lifetime in graduate and professional students.

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• Becoming a Learning Assistant or Laboratory Teaching Assistant
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Dept. of Department of Biology

Graduate program make advancements in science and in your academic journey..

Penn State’s Department of Biology is one of the top-ranked biology departments in the United States. Students in the graduate program can pursue both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in many areas of biology, including cell and developmental biology, genetics, genomics, physiology, neuroscience, organismal biology, plant science, ecology, evolutionary biology, and theoretical and computational biology.

Program admissions

Admission to our program is based on merit as presented in your application and evaluated by the faculty, available space in a particular program, and the availability of financial support. Year-round assistantships and fellowships are guaranteed for five years to all biology graduate students (in good academic standing). However, applicants with strong academic records are encouraged to apply by  December 15  to be considered in the first rounds of competition for enhanced financial support.

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Biochemistry, Biophysics and Chemical Biology, PhD

The Graduate Group in Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Chemical Biology (BBCB) is devoted to the education and training of doctoral students in quantitative, mechanistic and molecular frontiers of biochemistry and biophysics, broadly conceived. The goal is to produce the next generation of scientists, scholars, educators and leaders in biomedical sciences.

To achieve this goal, BBCB starts with a strong relationship with the Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Chemical Biology, combined with a world class, diverse faculty of over 90 members from four institutions, the University of Pennsylvania, the Wistar Institute, and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Within the University of Pennsylvania, BBCB draws on faculty from the schools of Medicine, Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Dental Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine.

BBCB offers interdisciplinary training based on a rigorous core curriculum, combined with laboratory rotations, independent studies, and candidacy exam preparation that provides immersive training in laboratory and research skills to equip the students for their independent dissertation research.

For more information: https://www.med.upenn.edu/bbcbgrad/

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

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Jeremy Chambers, Department Head Radhey Kaushik, Professor/Graduate Coordinator Department of Biology and Microbiology Alfred Dairy Science Hall 228, Box 2104A 605-688-6141

Graduate degrees available through the Department of Biology and Microbiology are the M.S. and the Ph.D. in Biological Sciences. Students may choose specializations in Biology or Microbiology for the M.S. program, and Biology, Microbiology or Molecular Biology for their Ph.D. program. The M.S. Biological Sciences degree program prepares students for a variety of careers such as teachers, laboratory research assistants, positions with state and federal agencies, and many private industry positions. Some M.S. students choose to pursue a Ph.D. degree after completing their M.S. degree at SDSU. Similar career opportunities also exist for students completing their Ph.D. degree; however, job placement is typically at a higher level. University or college faculty positions generally require a Ph.D. degree. The M.S. in Human Biology provides graduate-level preparation for students for successful admission to professional schools, including those not admitted directly to professional school from an undergraduate program.

Normally at least two years are needed to complete the requirements for the M.S. degree and at least four years (without a prior master’s degree) for the Ph.D. degree. For some students, particularly those pursuing a career in secondary school teaching, a M.S. program with a non-thesis research option (Plan B) is available. Additional course work and a research paper are required in lieu of the thesis for the Plan B program. A list of graduate courses in the Biology and Microbiology Department is available in the Graduate Bulletin. Additional courses may be taken in closely related departments, such as Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mathematics and Statistics, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Plant Science, and Animal Science.

Graduate Faculty

Bruce Bleakley, Professor Volker Brözel, Professor Nicholas Butzin, Associate Professor Jeremy Chambers, Department Head and Professor Charles Fenster, Professor Greg Heiberger, Associate Professor Anne-Marie Hoskinson, Assistant Professor Radhey Kaushik, Professor Wanlong Li, Professor Mark Messerli, Associate Professor Madhav Nepal, Professor Natalie Thiex, Associate Professor Xiuqing Wang, Professor Yajun Wu, Professor Ruanbao Zhou, Professor

Master’s Degrees

• Biological Sciences (M.S.)    
• Biological Sciences (M.S.) - Biology Specialization    
• Biological Sciences (M.S.) - Microbiology Specialization    
• Human Biology (M.S.)    
• Professional Science (M.S.)    - Biotechnology Emphasis

Doctoral Degrees

• Biological Sciences (Ph.D.)    
• Biological Sciences (Ph.D.) - Biology Specialization    
• Biological Sciences (Ph.D.) - Microbiology Specialization    
• Biological Sciences (Ph.D.) - Molecular Biology Specialization    

Certificates

• Biotechnology Certificate    

Biology Graduate Program Ranked in U.S. News & World Report

More than 30 University of Iowa colleges and programs were recognized among the best in their field in the U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings including Biology's graduate program! Click on the link above to see the full list. 

Graduate School

Biochemistry (ph.d.), biochemistry (ph.d.) | graduate.

Our Biochemistry doctoral students are at the forefront of biochemical research and molecular medicine, examining biological mechanisms underlying human disease; they are finding new ways to detect and attack diseases and immunological disorders like cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular disease.

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Biochemistry program at Howard's Graduate School are prepared for careers at top research universities and senior-level research positions in biomedical and related industries. The program's key strengths in molecular microbiology, proteomics and genetics, bioinformatics, and drug design and discovery make us a nexus for collaborative investigations between biochemistry researchers and clinicians. You'll learn to apply biochemical techniques, including NMR spectroscopy, crystallography, and single-molecule methods as well as contemporary approaches to cell culture and genetic analysis to answer key questions about the pathogenesis of specific diseases and the development of effective drug therapies. You'll also enjoy the close mentorship of faculty who are committed to your professional development. Our faculty are experts in several areas of biochemistry, including analysis of molecular structure, proteomics and genetics, tumor biology, structural biology, enzymology, RNA catalysis, stress response, and RNA modification. As you advance in the program, you'll become increasingly involved in laboratory research and the critical analysis of biochemical literature. Our graduate seminar series offers a venue to present your early-stage research. Students may pursue a dual M.D./Ph.D. degree.

Program Snapshot

      ❱  72 credit hours        ❱  Full-time       ❱  On-campus format       ❱  Degree: Ph.D.       ❱  Dual degree: M.D./Ph.D.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2024 entry:         ❱  No spring entry 

Fall 2024 entry:         ❱  Dec. 1, 2023 (early deadline)       ❱  Feb. 15, 2024 (priority deadline)       ❱  Apr. 15, 2024 (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible for earlier consideration of departmental funding opportunities. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. 

Dr. Zaki Sherif

Dr. matthew george, jr., angela wilson, program details.

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: M.D. / Ph.D., Ph.D.

Admission Requirements

Application for admission.

• Online GradCAS application
• Statement of purpose/ Statement of academic interest ( 500-1,000 words )
• GRE scores  not required
• Official transcripts sent to GradCAS
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent 
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement ( 500-750 words )

GRE Required?

Gre preferred minimums.

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.0
• Undergrad GPA minimum: 3.0

Prerequisite Courses

The following course prerequisites are required. Applicants are required to have at least a B average in these prerequisites.   No expiration date for recommended prerequisites.

• Biology (college-level courses, 8 semester credit hrs)
• General Chemistry (college-level courses, 8 semester credit hrs)
• Organic Chemistry (college-level courses, 8 semester credit hrs)
• Elementary Physical Chemistry (college-level course and lab, 4 semester credit hrs)
• Physics (college-level courses, 8 semester credit hrs)
• Calculus  (college-level course, 3 semester credit hrs)

Reference Requirements

Evaluator type accepted:

• Professor (Required)
• Supervisor/Manager
• Other 

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Family Member

• School of Medicine Columbia
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• Biomedical Sciences

Ph.D. Program

Students entering through the Integrated Biomedical Sciences program have the opportunity to study with research faculty from the School of Medicine and across USC.

All of our Ph.D. students enter through the Integrated Biomedical Sciences program that includes primary core courses and research rotations that allow you to decide the exact research you want to conduct.

Research Areas and Faculty Mentors

Choosing your research mentor and research area will be two of the biggest decisions you will make during your Ph.D. program. While we encourage you to have an idea of who you would like to work with before you apply, we also give you the opportunity to explore all your options. 

Admission and Application

Admission into our program is on a rolling basis with submissions opening in the Fall semester and decisions being made in the Spring semester.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition and financial aid information for students applying to and entering the Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program.

PREP Program

USC PREP seeks to increase the number of applicants to biomedical graduate programs from under-represented communities by offering the opportunity to work for a year in a biomedical research laboratory while preparing for graduate school in the biomedical sciences.

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.