Biology, PhD
Science, Scientist, approved for STEM-OPT extension, cell, molecular, plant, sols
You can have the largest amount of flexibility in your course choices in a program that complements other, more specialized life science degree programs. Develop your research skills and acquire high research competency in one or more specialized areas while receiving a broad, solid grounding in biological sciences.
The PhD program in biology offers individualized courses of study tailored to students' interests that include laboratory, field and theoretical work. Flexibility in the program is achieved by requiring only one core class, which is a choice between two topics that cover the breadth of the research directions in this program.
Electives are also as flexible as possible and include areas outside of biology. The major goal is to provide students with the opportunity to create an adaptable and general degree program that allows both traditional and interdisciplinary approaches in any area of biology.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term 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 the degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (3 or 4 credit hours) Electives (67 or 68 credit hours) Other Requirements (1 credit hour) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information An oral comprehensive examination is required in order to advance to candidacy, and a formal defense of the final written dissertation is required prior to graduation.
BIO 514 Statistical Models for Biology (4) or
BIO 620 Research Prospectus Writing (3)
BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research in Life Sciences (1)
BIO 799 Dissertation (12)
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 are comprised of coursework showing breadth in biology subdisciplines, seminars and research.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they 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.
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.
Those who have earned a doctorate in biology are prepared for academic careers at every level, from community colleges to research universities. Their skills and knowledge are also valuable for government careers with federal and state agencies responsible for wildlife management and conservation, and for careers in industry and nongovernmental organizations.
Career examples include:
- food, agriculture and health care scientists in academic, private and industrial labs
- principal investigators in government labs and nonprofit organizations
- professors or instructors in universities and colleges
- science teachers in elementary and high schools
- wildlife, animal and conservation scientists
School of Life Sciences
|
LSA 181
sols.grad@asu.edu
480-965-1768
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.
