PhD in Biology, General

The doctoral program in biology is a research degree in which students work closely with a major professor and a supervisory committee to design a course of study. Coursework is tailored to each student's research direction, and most of the degree is devoted to independent research. Doctoral training prepares graduates for academic, government, and industry careers in the life sciences. The program requires a substantial number of graded credit hours, with a significant share at the upper graduate level, along with a large research component. The only required course is a professional skills and ethics course, so the rest of each plan is shaped by the student's focus and the guidance of the supervisory committee. Students typically complete the degree in about five years and publish several papers during their studies, supported by the department's research community.