Biology, PHD
Program Description
Degree Awarded: PHD Biology
The Doctor of Philosophy program in biology is intended to accommodate the diverse interests and academic requirements of contemporary students, which may encompass laboratory, field or theoretical work in a variety of biological disciplines. This program is flexible and customizable. Flexibility in the program is achieved by requiring students to complete one core course, offering a choice between two topics that represent the broad spectrum of research directions available within the program. The program provides a diverse selection of elective courses, which enable students to customize their academic pursuits.
The program's primary objective is to cultivate an adaptable academic foundation that promotes interdisciplinary research. By deeply engaging with core and specialized scientific areas, students are prepared to lead and innovate in their respective fields. This approach ensures that graduates not only are experts in their respective research fields but also possess the breadth of knowledge necessary to confront complex biological challenges.
Courses
- 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
Applications open September 1 for admission in Fall of the following year. The application deadline is November 15. We accept applications for Fall semesters only. We cannot guarantee that applications received after the November 15 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
Following the November 15 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.
Minimum requirements for admission include the following:
- Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- International applicants must satisfy university minimum requirements for English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE)
- 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
Curriculum Plan Options
- 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 Requirement (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 comprise coursework showing breadth in biology subdisciplines, seminars and research.
An oral comprehensive examination is required to advance to candidacy, and a formal defense of the final written dissertation is required before graduation.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants must 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.
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Application Deadlines
Fall
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
Earning a PhD in biology opens an array of vibrant career opportunities across academia and government, industry and nonprofit sectors. Graduates excel in roles such as teaching at educational institutions of all levels or spearheading research in next-generation laboratories. They are sought-after for their expertise by government agencies overseeing environmental preservation and private firms innovating in biotechnology, health care and sustainable agriculture.
Career examples include:
- principal investigator in a government laboratory or nonprofit organization
- professor or instructor at a university or college
- researcher in an academic, private or industrial laboratory related to health care, food or agriculture
- science teacher in an elementary or high school
- wildlife, animal, environmental, conservation or forensic scientist
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.
- sols.grad@asu.edu
- 480/965-1768