PhD in Biological Sciences
The Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences at Auburn University provides advanced, research-focused training for students preparing to become independent scientists, scholars and educators.
The program combines graduate coursework, faculty-mentored research, teaching experience and professional development. Students work closely with faculty advisors to develop original research projects that contribute new knowledge to the biological sciences.
Doctoral students may pursue research across the breadth of biological sciences. Faculty research spans behavior, ecology, evolution and conservation; evolutionary genetics and systematics; physiological adaptations and functional genomics; host-microbial interactions; and biology education research.
Research projects may involve laboratory, field, computational, collection-based or classroom-based approaches, and many students collaborate with researchers across Auburn University and beyond.
The PhD program is designed to help students develop as independent researchers. Students complete advanced coursework in biological sciences while working under the supervision of a faculty advisor and advisory committee to design, conduct and communicate original research.
The program includes doctoral seminar requirements, dissertation research, written and/or oral examinations as determined by the student’s committee and the preparation and defense of a doctoral dissertation. Through this process, students build deep disciplinary expertise, technical skill and the ability to communicate scientific findings to professional audiences.
Doctoral students gain extensive experience conducting original research in their area of specialization. Depending on their research focus, students may work in laboratories, field sites, museum collections, computational settings or educational environments.
Many students present their work at professional conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals and develop collaborations within and beyond the department. The PhD program prepares students for careers in academia, government, conservation, industry, education, research institutions and other fields where advanced biological training is essential.
Students should work with their faculty advisor, advisory committee and the Graduate Program Officer to develop a plan of study aligned with their research area and professional goals.
