Biology, Ph.D.

Doctoral studies in biology at Saint Louis University emphasize intensive research training under the direction of a member of the graduate faculty. Once biology Ph.D. students at SLU successfully complete the required coursework and the written and oral qualifying examinations, they are expected to design and conduct an original research project and to work independently.

Students are required to present their work at local or national professional meetings and may also be expected to seek external funding to support the research project. Ideally, a student's research will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. 

Curriculum Overview

SLU's Ph.D. in biology requires a minimum of 36 post-baccalaureate credits, with at least 24 credits of coursework and 12 credits of dissertation research.

Careers

Past biology Ph.D. students at SLU have gone on to careers as research scientists, teachers, university faculty and in various capacities at pharmaceutical companies and government agencies.

Admission Requirements

Suggested courses include biology (a minimum of eighteen [18] upper-division credits); chemistry (a minimum of eight [8] upper-division credits including two semesters of organic chemistry or one semester of organic chemistry and the other of biochemistry); physics (two semesters); mathematics (through a course in calculus). A formal minor is not permitted.

For students interested in ecology, evolution or systematics, additional coursework in some of the following areas is also recommended: genetics, general ecology, evolution, introductory statistics, general botany, and a taxonomically oriented course. For students interested in cell or molecular biology, additional coursework in some of the following areas is recommended: genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, molecular biology, microbiology or immunology.

Previous laboratory and research experience preferred.

Application Requirements

• Application form and fee
• Three letters of recommendation
• Transcript(s)
• Résumé
• Goal statement
• Interview (desired)

Requirements for International Students 

All Saint Louis University admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students applying to SLU must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate English language proficiency
• Academic records must include an English translation. Unofficial copies may be accepted in some cases for initial admission review, however official copies must be received prior to enrollment. Course-by-course transcript evaluations are accepted. 

Students must submit financial documents to be issued an I-20 for their F-1 visa application. Proof of financial support must include:

• A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
• A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University

Assistantship Application Deadline

Students who want to be considered for an assistantship should submit their application by Dec. 15. Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered if assistantships are available.

Review Process

Faculty committee members examine each applicant's materials and make recommendations. Consideration is given to matching applicant interests with faculty research areas.

Applicants should outline their research goals in their professional goals statement. Additionally, they should identify and correspond with faculty members whose area of research matches their interests early in the application process.

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Scholarships, Assistantships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award. 

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1. Graduates will be able to critically analyze primary literature articles by evaluating the scientific contributions of peer-reviewed publications in biology.
2. Graduates will be able to effectively communicate scientific ideas.
3. Graduates will be able to demonstrate professional integrity.
4. Graduates will be able to use appropriate instrumentation and analytical methods to collect data.
5. Graduates will be able to draw statistically valid conclusions from quantitative data.
6. Graduates will be able to design novel research that advances knowledge of their field.
7. Graduates will be able to conduct self-directed research.

The program for the Doctor of Philosophy in Biology degree requires a minimum of 36 credits, when pursued from the baccalaureate, including 24 credits of structured coursework and 12 credits of dissertation research. Courses may be chosen from upper-level electives within the Department of Biology or related departments; coursework may be tailored to the research interests in consultation with the advisory committees of students.

The following requirements govern which courses may be counted toward a degree:

• At least 20 credits of structured courses (these do not include BIOL 6970 Advanced Research Topics in Biology and/or BIOL 6980 Graduate Independent Study in Biology.
• At least 18 credits (exclusive of dissertation) must be 5000- and 6000- level courses.
• At least 12 credits (exclusive of dissertation) of the total program must be from the Department of Biology.
• No more than 6 credits of BIOL 6970 Advanced Research Topics in Biology and/or BIOL 6980 Graduate Independent Study in Biology.
• 12 credits exactly of BIOL 6990 Dissertation Research.
• Students must be enrolled in a course (even if it is for zero credits) every fall and spring semester to maintain standing in the program; students on 11-month assistantships must also enroll during the summer.

Elective Courses

Electives can be selected from any 4000-level or higher courses in Biology or related areas (subject to limits on 4000-level, 5970, and 5980 credit hours). Among the courses that can be taken as electives are:

Non-Course Requirements

New Ph.D. degree students who enter the program with a B.S. or B.A. degree may take the written preliminary exam the first or second spring semester they are in the program. New Ph.D. students who enter the program with a master’s degree are required to take the written preliminary exam the first spring semester they are at SLU.

All doctoral students must pass written and oral exams to advance to candidacy; these are typically attempted at the end of the second and third semesters, respectively. All doctoral students must also complete one year of teaching. This can be accomplished by serving as a graduate teaching assistant, by completing two semesters of a practicum in a teaching course, or by other teaching experience approved by the student's committee and the department chair.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

General Schedule 

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A maximum of six hours of 4000-level courses can count toward the Ph.D. 

Sample Schedule Cell/Molecular Biology Focus

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After the second year, students should register for dissertation research (BIOL 6990 Dissertation Research (0-6 cr)), 1-3 credits/semester, until 12 credits are reached. After 12 credits have been reached, students should register for 0 hrs of BIOL 6990 Dissertation Research (0-6 cr) each semester until they graduate.

Sample Schedule Ecology/Evolutionary Biology Focus

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After the second year, students should register for dissertation research (BIOL 6990 Dissertation Research), 1-3 credits/semester, until 12 credits are reached. After 12 credits have been reached, students should register for 0 credits of Dissertation Research (BIOL 6990) each semester until they graduate.

For additional information about graduate study in biology, contact biology@slu.edu or call 314-977-3900 and ask for the graduate program coordinator.