The PhD in Biology is a research-intensive program and also has a strong focus on teaching. The program's primary goal is to develop independent and creative research scientists, which is accomplished through research training, graduate-level courses, seminars, and teaching experience. Your advisory committee of three faculty members will work with you to plan a program of study based on your experience, interests and goals.

Because our program is very individualized, we encourage interested students to look over faculty research areas and email a potential supervisor for information before the application deadline. An effective email is a brief summary of your background and interests and how they fit with the research in a specific lab group. All admissions decisions are made by the Biology Department Graduate Admissions Committee, only after receipt of a full application through this website.

Program Outcomes

As a student in the program, you'll receive extensive training in pedagogy, outreach, and communication that will prepare you for careers in academia, biotechnology, education, and policy. Graduate students serve as teaching assistants in undergraduate courses and have the opportunity to take a course on teaching and pedagogy to improve their skills, or to become involved with upper-level courses in their area of expertise. During the first year, you'll also become familiar with research opportunities in the department by doing short research rotations with various faculty members. This experience in expected to lead to the selection of a research focus for your PhD thesis, and it also sets the stage for cross-disciplinary approaches to the thesis topic.

Graduates of the PhD in Biology become top research scientists and educators equipped with a broad base of knowledge to tackle the most important biological problems of today.

Application Requirements

Application fee
Resume/CV
Personal statement
Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, if applicable
Transcripts
Three letters of recommendation

Tuition and Financial Aid

See Tuition and Financial Aid information for GSAS Programs. Accepted PhD students in Biology receive full tuition support for six years, a competitive stipend, and health coverage.

Concentrations

The graduate program in biology is arranged into six concentrations, each with an advisor and a core of faculty researchers:

Spotlights

Career Outcomes

Average Salary: $90K - $150K+

Would Recommend the Program: 100%*

Average Age: 28

*Sources: GSAS-SOE Graduate Exit Survey 2020 - 2021 and Academic Analytics (Alumni Insights)

Biology

Overview

Program Outcomes

Application Requirements

Tuition and Financial Aid

Concentrations

Spotlights

From Tufts to Bee Nutritionist

Gabriela Garcia, AG22

An Advocate for the Wildlife in Our Own Backyards

Career Outcomes

Faculty

Eric Tytell

Frank David

Erik Dopman

George Ellmore

Catherine Freudenreich

Julia Gouvea

Sarah Hengel

Alfredo Hernandez

Mimi Kao

Michael Levin

Kelly McLaughlin

Mitch McVey

Sergei Mirkin

Colin Orians

Michael Reed

Michael Romero

Philip Starks

Barry Trimmer

Lawrence Uricchio

Benjamin Wolfe

Related Programs

Biology