Program Overview

Biomedical Sciences - Human Evolutionary Biology - Ph.D.

Overview

The Biomedical Sciences - Human Evolutionary Biology Ph.D. program is designed for students who are interested in the study of human evolution, including genetics, anthropology, and archaeology. With a focus on research and advanced coursework, you will gain the skills needed to tackle complex questions about human evolution and make a significant contribution to the field.

Admissions

• Master's degree in anthropology or biological sciences from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 3.000 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• GRE scores
• Goal statement (applicants should describe their research experience and interests along with their goals and fit with the program)
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 DET score

Coursework

• Major Requirements:
  • BMS 70120: Laboratory Techniques in Biomedical Sciences (taken twice) - 4 credit hours
  • BMS 71000: Responsible Conduct of Research - 1 credit hour
  • BMS 71001: Introduction to Biomedical Sciences - 1 credit hour
  • BMS 78630: Principles of Biological Anthropology - 3 credit hours
  • BMS 78691: Seminar in Biological Anthropology - 1 credit hour
  • BMS 80110: Career and Professional Skills for Life Scientists - 2 credit hours
  • BSCI 70143: Eukaryotic Cell Biology - 3 credit hours
  • BSCI 70144: Selected Readings in Eukaryotic Cell Biology - 1 credit hour
  • Approved Human Gross Anatomy Course - 5 credit hours
  • Doctoral Elective Approved by Guidance Committee - 1-3 credit hours
  • Data/Statistical Analysis Electives, choose from the following: - 6-8 credit hours
    • BMS 78637 and BMS 78638: Bioanthropological Data Analysis I and II
    • PSYC 71651 and PSYC 71654: Quantitative Statistical Analysis I and II
• Culminating Requirement:
  • BMS 80199: Dissertation I - 30 credit hours

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum Major GPA: 3.000
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.000

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Publish their research in peer-reviewed journals.
2. Demonstrate the ability to teach undergraduate students.
3. Seek employment after graduation in fields that reflect their area of training.

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in Biomedical Sciences–Human Evolutionary Biology emphasizes a biological approach to research problems focusing on human and non-human anthropology. The program focuses on human anatomy and neuroanatomy, developmental biology, evolutionary genetics, mammalian physiology, paleontology, and experimental archaeology. Many graduates use their training and teaching experience to enter anthropology or corporate teaching positions. Most graduates are also prepared to teach both human anatomy and other cognate fields (neuroanatomy, cell biology, physiology, genetics) in demand at most medical schools.

The Ph.D. degree is offered in consortium with Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). Faculty in the program are drawn from the departments of Anthropology and the Biological Sciences at Kent State and the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology at NEOMED. This inter-departmental and inter-institutional structure provides significant resources to the doctoral candidates, including the Hammon-Todd human and primate skeletal collection, state-of-the-art laboratories for neuroanatomy, anatomy, genetics, paleontology, biomechanics, and experimental archaeology. Additional resources are available to students through the Cleveland Museum of National History, the Cleveland Metroparks zoo, and other local, national, and international collaborative relationships.

Candidates for the Ph.D. are expected to engage, to the extent possible, in other activities that benefit their professional development. The teaching of laboratory and lecture courses, as appropriate, is considered valuable, and each student should have this experience during their graduate career. This includes those students on non-teaching scholarships or research appointments during their tenure. Students should also seek membership in professional organizations, attend meetings to present research results, and maintain currency in the relevant literature.