Program Overview

Biology (Ph.D.) Program

The Biology doctoral program at Howard University's Graduate School is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in contemporary biological sciences. The program has two main areas of research specialization: Cellular and Molecular Biology, and Ecological, Environmental, and Systematic Biology.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Biology program is a 72-credit hour, full-time, on-campus program that offers a dual M.D./Ph.D. degree option. The program provides students with a solid foundation in biological concepts and practical training in experimental design, statistical analyses, and lab/field observation.

Research Areas

The program has core strengths in the following research areas:

• Cellular and Molecular Biology: immunology, cellular and molecular biology, genetics, neurobiology, physiology, developmental biology, microbiology, and bioinformatics
• Ecological, Environmental, and Systematic Biology: ecology, evolutionary biology, environmental biology, conservation biology, and organismal biology

Program Details

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: M.D. / Ph.D., Ph.D.
• Credit Hours: 72
• Format: Full-time, on-campus
• Dual Degree: M.D./Ph.D.

Admission Requirements

Application for Admission

• Online application through GradCAS
• Statement of purpose/Statement of academic interest (500-1,000 words)
• 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 Requirements

• GRE scores not required
• No preferred minimums for GRE Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, or Analytical Writing

GPA Requirements

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

Prerequisite Courses

The following courses are recommended, not required:

• Biology (college-level courses including a course in Genetics, 12 semester credit hours)
• Chemistry (college-level Chemistry courses with labs including a course in Organic Chemistry, 12 semester credit hours)
• Mathematics (college-level courses, 6 semester credit hours including Precalculus)
• Physics (college-level courses with labs, including Pre-Calculus, 8 semester credit hours)

Reference Requirements

• Evaluator type accepted: Professor (Required), Supervisor/Manager
• Evaluator type not accepted: Friend, Family Member, Coworker, Clergy, Other

Application Deadlines

• Spring 2026 entry: No spring entry
• Fall 2026 entry:
  • Early deadline: November 15, 2025
  • Priority deadline: February 15, 2026
  • Final deadline: April 15, 2026

Transfer Credits

• Transfer credits accepted (reviewed by committee)