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| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2027-03-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Doctor of Philosophy in Biology
The Doctor of Philosophy in Biology is a research-focused degree tailored to the student's interests and career plans through conversations with the faculty mentor, supported by curriculum and weekly seminars.
Program Overview
The Ph.D. program is organized to fit the goals of each degree candidate. A Principal Adviser along with four additional members of the student's Ph.D. advisory committee works with the student to craft a program for each candidate to suit the individuals long-term career objectives.
Degree Information and Courses
The graduate faculty in biology offer dissertation mentoring in a variety of areas of expertise including:
- Molecular biology
- Bioinformatics
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Cell biology
- Cancer biology
- Cell and tissue engineering
- Conservation
- Developmental biology
- Entomology
- Ecosystem ecology
- Evolutionary biology
- Forest ecology
- Herpetology
- Global change biology
- Machine learning
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Wildlife ecology
The program emphasizes scientific knowledge and theory partnered with hands-on experience in the laboratory and in the field. The program is 60 credit hours if the student already has a M.S., and 90 credit hours if the student comes straight from a B.S.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the biology program should submit the following information:
- Official academic records of all previously attended colleges or universities must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities.
- Three letters of recommendation, including one from a University of Dayton, Department of Biology faculty mentor.
- A resume or curriculum vitae.
- A personal statement addressing previous experience, specific areas of interest, professional goals, and objectives after earning a graduate degree.
Academic Requirements
All applicants to the program should have a bachelor's degree in biology or a substantially equivalent degree with coursework indicating substantive training in the biological sciences. Preferred coursework includes:
- Two years of chemistry, including organic
- One year of math, including calculus
- One semester of physics
- One semester of genetics
Applicants should have earned a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average based on a 4.0 scale.
Additional Information
Deadlines for admission and graduate assistantship consideration are April 30 for admission to the subsequent fall semester and September 30 for admission to the subsequent spring semester. Students are admitted to the biology program during the fall or spring term and must be full-time students. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available at the master's degree level.
Related Degrees and Programs
- Physician Assistant Practice (M.P.A.P.)
- Biology (Ph.D.)
- Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (Graduate Certificate)
- Sustainability (Graduate Certificate)
Tuition and Financial Aid
Financial aid may be available for degree-seeking graduate students. The University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success.