PhD Program in Biological Sciences
PhD Program
The program offers extensive coursework and intensive research experience in theory, methodology, and applications of molecular and cell biology (see degree requirements).
- Faculty members with broad and diverse research interests are available to supervise doctoral dissertations.
- Financial support in the form of assistantships, full tuition support, and scholarships and awards are provided. Additional scholarships are available for US citizens and permanent residents.
- Our students, both domestic and international, have a strong record of starting in jobs after graduation.
- Students have opportunities to participate in active seminar series in molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, neurobiology, virology, and computational biology.
- To enhance career prospects, students can pursue Graduate Certificate in Genomics, and possibly use the certificate courses to fulfill the elective requirements.
- NSM Career Success Center is available to support professional development and experiential learning of students.
- GRE test score is not required for admission.
Placement
Our PhD graduates successfully pursue careers in biomedical research as scientists in academia, government, or industry, as well as in fields such as consulting, finance, patent law, scientific communication and policy, clinical regulatory affairs, or as entrepreneurs.
Placement of Recent Graduates
| Year | Placement |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Assistant Professor, Austin College |
| 2023 | Bioinformatics Analyst, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis |
| 2023 | Postdoctoral Research Associate, UT Southwestern Medical Center |
| 2023 | Postdoctoral Research Associate, UT Southwestern Medical Center |
| 2023 | Project Microbiologist, Eagle Analytical Services |
| 2023 | Research Scientist II, Seek Labs |
| 2023 | Staff Scientist, MilliporeSigma |
| 2023 | Staff Scientist, Molecular Ophthalmology Laboratory, Retina Foundation of the Southwest |
| 2023 | Postdoctoral Research Associate, Southern Methodist University |
| 2023 | Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Texas at Dallas |
| 2023 | Research Scientist, University of Texas at Dallas |
| 2023 | Assistant Professor of Instruction, University of Texas at Dallas |
| 2022 | Clinical Scientist, Parexel International |
| 2022 | Postdoctoral Research Associate, UT Southwestern Medical Center |
| 2022 | Research Scientist, MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2022 | Senior Bioinformatical Engineer, General Dynamics Information Technology |
| 2022 | Senior Scientist, Merck |
| 2021 | Scientist, Cell Signaling Technology |
Assistantships
Graduate Teaching Assistantships are offered to qualified PhD students on a competitive basis. These assistantships include a monthly stipend (currently set at $2,400) along with a full tuition waiver (covering 9 credit hours per term in the Fall and Spring semesters). The assistantship additionally covers the cost of health insurance purchased through the university and most fees. Graduate Research Assistantships for advanced PhD students are also available on some faculty members’ research grants. Typically, assistantship support is provided for five years and encompasses the Summer semester as well.
All admitted students are considered for assistantships; no separate application is necessary.
Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards
PhD students are additionally supported through the following awards:
- NSM McDermott PhD Admission Fellowship (for highly qualified new students, offered at the time of admission)
- Dean’s Fellowship and EEF Scholarship (for highly qualified new students who are U.S. citizens and permanent residents, offered at the time of admission)
- Julia Williams Van Ness Merit Scholarship and Mei Lein Fellowship
- Outstanding Teaching Assistant of the Year Award
- Ron and Chris Overberg Fellowship
- Dr. John Jagger Scholarship
- Rockford Draper and Gail Breen Student Fellowship
- Dean of Graduate Education Dissertation Research Award
- Best Dissertation Award, David Daniel Thesis Award, and Outstanding Graduate Student Award
Conference Travel Support
NSM Conference Travel Award and Betty and Gifford Johnson Travel Award are available to provide financial support to PhD students to present their research at professional conferences.
Ready to Start Your Application?
Before you apply, visit our How to Apply page to get familiar with the admission requirements and application process.