Program Overview

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Biology, PhD

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.

Program Description

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.

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

Degree Requirements

• 84 credit hours
• A written comprehensive exam
• An oral comprehensive exam
• A prospectus
• A dissertation
• Required Core (3 or 4 credit hours)
  • BIO 514 Statistical Models for Biology (4)
  • 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.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• 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.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Session | Modality | Deadline | Type ---|---|---|--- Session A/C | In Person | 11/15 | Final

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

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

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

STEM-OPT for International Students

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website. The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.