Our doctoral program in biology prepares you for research-oriented careers in academia, government, and the private sector.

Research

Learn more about our Biology research opportunities.

Curriculum

Students must complete a core curriculum that includes courses in general biochemistry and molecular biology and pass a qualifying exam. During the first year students must complete three laboratory rotations with different faculty as part of their research training. Qualified students may take a candidacy examination in their special area of interest and proceed to the Ph.D. under the guidance of the candidacy committee. The detailed curriculum is tailored to the student’s background and special interests.

Candidates for the Ph.D. must satisfy the requirements of the graduate evaluation committee (GEC), pass the qualifying exam, and pass a candidacy exam. The latter consists of a written and an oral portion, and should usually be taken during the second year of full-time study. A degree candidate also must submit a dissertation based on an original research project. The GEC requires a high level of performance in selected courses and research, and reports its findings each year of full-time study. Additionally, all doctoral candidates are required to participate in teaching for one academic year under the supervision of a faculty member. The student thus gains experience teaching should he or she select an academic career.

For more details, see the Graduate Handbook (PDF).

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Graduate Admissions

If you have questions, please direct them to:

Lee Ligon Chair, Graduate Admissions, or
Graduate Coordinator (gradbio@rpi.edu)