Graduate Programs > Ph.D. in Biology

The PhD program provides both a broad background knowledge base and an in-depth study of a specialized area of biology. The program emphasizes close interaction between graduate students and faculty in developing the intellectual and experimental skills required for creative independent research.

Admissions

To be considered for admission to the doctoral program, a student must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, preferably in a biological science. Individuals with degrees in other natural sciences may be considered, depending on their interests and background.

In addition to the requirements of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, applicants should have a background that includes one year each of general biology and general chemistry; organic chemistry; physics; and mathematics, including calculus. Deficiencies in such required back-ground courses should be resolved by the first 15 semester hours of courses taken in the graduate program. Transcripts of academic work and three letters of recommendation are required. GRE general test scores (within the last five years) are required. Subject test scores in biology, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, chemistry, or physics are recommended.  Admission decisions are made by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences after the receipt of recommendations by the department's Graduate Committee.

Applications for the Fall must be received by January 15 in order to receive full consideration for financial aid. The general Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are required and applicants whose first language is not English must have a minimum TOEFL score of 600 paper (250 Computer, or 100 Internet). To receive an application fill out this form:

http://www.cas.neu.edu/graduate/feedback.html

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Academic Requirements

PhD students entering with a bachelor’s degree are required to complete 30 semester hours of graduate course work. Of these, 20 semester hours must be Biology Department courses, with an option to petition substitution of courses from other departments. Two 2-semester hour seminars are required: (1) Research Problem Solving, Advanced Topics in Integrative Biology or Advanced Topic in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, and (2) Ethics in Biological Research.  The 2-semester hour seminar Supervised Experience in College Teaching is required for all first time teaching assistants.

A minimum GPA of 3.000 for all graduate work is required for the award of the PhD degree. All regulations of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences regarding maintenance of academic standing apply. Requirements for students entering with a master’s degree depend on the recommendations of the doctoral dissertation adviser and examination committees.

Qualifying Examination

The PhD Candidacy Examination consists of both written and oral examinations, with the written examination preceding the oral examination. The written examination is intended to evaluate the student’s knowledge at the graduate level. This examination covers both basic principles and knowledge of current literature in selected areas of biology related to the student’s specialization. The oral examination, or the PhD research proposal defense, is intended to ascertain the student’s readiness to pursue a research program in the area chosen and focuses on areas related to the research proposal. The schedule for the written examination is set by the Graduate Committee of the department and, in general, follows the completion of the majority of the required course work. The oral examination is to be completed within six months after the completion of the written examination. A student must successfully complete the written examination and the oral research proposal defense to be a PhD candidate.

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Dissertation

The dissertation is the most important part of the PhD degree and must be an original and independent scientific study. The dissertation adviser and student work closely to develop the problem and arrange for a PhD dissertation committee of at least five members. One member must be an acknowledged expert from outside the University.

Residency Requirement

After admittance to doctoral candidacy, the student may satisfy the residence requirement through one year (or two 6-month periods) of full-time graduate work on campus.

Teaching Requirement

A PhD student is required to spend one year as a teaching assistant in the department. If the student wishes this requirement to be waived, a petition—including evidence of equivalent teaching experience—must be submitted to the department’s Graduate Committee.

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Financial Aid

All full-time students enrolled in the Biology department’s doctoral or master’s degree programs are eligible to be considered for departmental financial aid. As noted in the general University policies, all students who hold assistantships are expected to devote full time to their studies and the duties of the award.

Graduate assistantships in the Department of Biology are available for full-time students and provide remission of tuition and annual stipends of up to $24,712.50. Assistantships are in the form of either teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and on a voluntary basis, summer internships with one of several local biotechnology companies.

Other Financial Aid Sources

Costs

For the latest information on costs please contact student financial services.

Graduate Tuition and Other Fees

Request Information

Ms. Janeen Greene
Department of Biology
134 Mugar Life Sciences 
Northeastern University
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: (617) 373-2262
Fax: (617) 373-3724

gradbio@neu.edu

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