Biological Sciences - PhD

The PhD degree is aimed at students who intend to develop professional careers that include the development and oversight of research programs, or who intend to teach at the university level. Many students who enter the PhD program already have an MS degree, though this is not required. PhD graduates from our department have gone on to careers as faculty members at universities in the US and around the world, as staff scientists at state and federal organizations (e.g. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Forest Service, the National Parks Service) and environmental consultancy and non-profit organizations (e.g., A B R, The Nature Conservancy, Smithsonian Institution).

PhD students work with a graduate advisory committee to develop a research program that includes a strong, original, and intellectual contribution that advances their field of interest. Although there is no minimum course requirement, most PhD students do take some courses. PhD dissertations are expected to include three to four manuscripts for publication in scientific journals. Expected time to completion for a PhD degree is 4 to 6 years.