Program Overview

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Biology (Biology and Society), PhD

Program Description

The Biology (Biology and Society), PhD program is designed to position students at the intersection of biology and society, where biosciences shape and are shaped by societal values and traditions. This program draws from many fields, enabling students to develop the skills of a critical, independent, interdisciplinary thinker.

Degree Requirements

• 84 credit hours
• A written comprehensive exam
• An oral comprehensive exam
• A prospectus
• A dissertation

Required Core

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

Electives

• 68 or 69 credit hours

Culminating Experience

• BIO 799 Dissertation (12 credit hours)

Additional Curriculum Information

An individual student program is developed in consultation with the student's advisor and committee.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements
• A bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Completion of core requirements for an undergraduate major in biology or a related discipline
• 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
• Submission of:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Academic record form
  • Personal statement
  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • Writing sample
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

Tuition information can be found on the university's website.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: December 1 (final deadline)

Program Learning Outcomes

• Articulate an understanding of current literature on scientific developments and their relevance to society in scholarly writing
• Contribute to original biology and society research in scholarly writing
• Communicate biology and society research results in presentations

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for academic careers at every level, from community colleges to research universities. Their skills and knowledge are also valuable for government careers in federal and state agencies responsible for management and conservation, and for careers in industry and nongovernmental organizations. Career examples include:

• Lawyer
• Medical writer or editor
• Professor or instructor at a university or college
• Researcher analyzing health care, environmental or educational systems in an academic, government, nonprofit, private or industrial organization
• Science communicator in an academic, private or industrial organization
• Science policymaker or administrator
• Science or social studies teacher in an elementary or high school

Research Areas

The program encompasses four tracks:

• Bioethics, policy and law
• History and philosophy of science
• Ecology, economics and ethics of the environment
• Biology education research

STEM-OPT Extension

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months, allowing international students to gain skills and experience in the U.S.