PhD in Biology/Biological Sciences (PhD)

Tuition is Graduate students are guaranteed tuition remission and teaching assistantships for five years..

The program emphasizes research grounded in molecular and cell biology, ecology, and evolution. Students work closely with faculty on independent projects and gain experience in mentoring and teaching. The curriculum supports the development of independent research skills through dissertation work and conference presentations. Collaboration across disciplines is a core part of the training experience.

Focus areas include Molecular and cell biology, Ecology and evolution, Biochemistry, Microbial ecology and evolution, Evolution of behavior, morphology, and life history in stickleback fish, Epigenetics and gene regulation.

The program requires coursework, dissertation research, and presentations at national and international conferences. Students complete a total of 90 credits, including 30 credits of course work and 60 credits dedicated to dissertation research.

Graduates typically secure research- or management-related roles in higher education, government, or non-profit research and policy institutes within three years of completing the degree.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology or a related field. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Submission of transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a CV is required.

The programme totals about 90 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, typically completed in five years. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 42% of applicants.

Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a private research institution founded in 1887, known for a strong commitment to scholarship, social engagement, and creative inquiry. With about 3,122 students and roughly 390 international students, Clark offers a close-knit campus experience where interdisciplinary study and community participation are central to student life.

Academically, Clark emphasizes research-led teaching across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, and supports projects that address social and environmental challenges. Small class sizes and accessible faculty mentorship make it easy for students to engage in original work, internships, and collaborative research that extend beyond the classroom.

International students find a supportive campus culture with resources for academic advising, career development, and cultural integration in Worcester, a city within reach of Boston and other New England centers. Clark appeals to students who want rigorous academics paired with opportunities to shape ideas into real-world impact.