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Biology, PHD

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Biology

At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
    Tempe campus
  • Second Language Requirement: No
Unlock your potential in biological sciences. Tailor your studies in genetics, ecology, systems biology or cellular biology. Build a strong foundation and deepen your expertise to undertake groundbreaking research. Prepare to innovate and lead in your chosen field, supported by distinguished faculty and extensive research facilities.

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.


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:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. academic record form
  4. personal statement
  5. curriculum vitae or resume
  6. three letters of recommendation
  7. 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

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
In Person
November 15th
Final


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


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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