Biology, PhD
Science, Scientist, approved for STEM-OPT extension, cell, molecular, plant, sols
Unlock your potential in biological sciences. Tailor your studies in genetics, ecology, systems biology or cellular biology. Build a strong foundation and deepen your expertise to undertake groundbreaking research. Prepare to innovate and lead in your chosen field, supported by distinguished faculty and extensive research facilities.
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.
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.
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.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (3 or 4 credit hours)
BIO 514 Statistical Models for Biology (4) or
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.
An oral comprehensive examination is required to advance to candidacy, and a formal defense of the final written dissertation is required before graduation.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
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:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- academic record form
- personal statement
- curriculum vitae or resume
- three letters of recommendation
- 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.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 11/15 | Final |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- 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.
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
School of Life Sciences
|
LSA 181
sols.grad@asu.edu
480-965-1768
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
