Ph.D. in Biology

A highly interdisciplinary program with unparalleled flexibility, preparing the next generation of scientists for impactful careers in research and beyond.

Program Overview

Our Biology Ph.D. program welcomes passionate minds ready to push scientific boundaries. We're looking for students excited to make an impact with new discoveries in science. We train future scientific leaders who will:

  • Drive forward research that matters
  • Master cutting-edge techniques in biology
  • Shape their field with meaningful contributions
  • Develop compelling communication and leadership skills
  • Excel across academia, industry, and government

Program by the Numbers

100+

Ph.D. Students currently enrolled

Graduate Success Outcomes

70%

Employed as postdoctoral researchers and professors

9%

Government scientists

9%

Industry scientitsts

8%

Patent attorneys, business leaders, MD/PhDs, etc.

4%

Instructors

3.9

Average journal publications p/student

4.3

Average conference presentations per student

What Sets Our Program Apart

Our Biology Ph.D. Program offers distinctive advantages that prepare you for success in scientific research and beyond.

Highly Interdisciplinary Approach

Widest range of biology disciplines and professors. Join specialized labs where you'll learn from diverse experts.

Exceptional Curriculum Flexibility

Customize your pathway to match your research interests. Options for minors in bioinformatics, microbiology, molecular biomedicine, biochemistry, and more.

Unique Lab Placement Options

You are provided with both options: rotate through labs or join a lab directly. Stay in your first rotation lab if it's a good fit or explore 2-3 additional labs.

Community and Social Life

That spans across programs and research labs. We prioritize relationship building through regular social events, including our bi-weekly Friday gatherings, creating both an enhanced Ph.D. experience and professional connections that last a lifetime.

Group of BioSci students in a lab

Comprehensive Funding

Full funding via GTA, GRA, or fellowships.
Base Ph.D. stipend: $37,500
Tuition waiver provided
Fellowships and awards: Announced throughoutthe year to supplement the Ph.D. stipend
Conference support: Available for domestic and international conferences

Areas of Research

Our program offers research opportunities to specialize across a wide range of biology.

Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior

Including population and evolutionary ecology, community ecology, aquatic chemical ecology, ecological genomics, sensory ecology, evolution of development, behavior, and sociality, biological oceanography, environmental microbiology, theoretical ecology.

Molecular and Cell Biology

Including eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell biology, molecular physiology, molecular genetics, developmental biology, microbiology, structural biology, and computational biology.

Program Structure

The Ph.D. in Biology involves deep research immersion with expert faculty mentoring. Complete 18 credit hours of coursework within 1-2 years. Previous M.S. graduates may transfer up to 9 credits.

Year 1

Coursework / Lab Rotations / Research / TAing

Year 2

Coursework / Thesis Research / Qualifying Exam

Year 3

Thesis Research

Year 4

Thesis Research

Year 5

Thesis Research, Writing, and Defense

Quick Facts

  • Students funded via GTA, GRA, or fellowships.
  • Tuition waiver.
  • Possibilities to apply for numerous awards.
  • Duration of program depends on research progress. Ph.D. candidates typically defend their thesis at the end of the 5th or during the 6th year.
  • 18 credit hours of flexible coursework designed to match your research interests.
Cytoskeleton from the Nie Lab

Admissions Information

Our graduate program is primarily focused on the Ph.D. which prepares students for careers in scientific research and employment in academia, industry, or government.

We encourage potential applicants to the Ph.D. program to directly contact individual faculty members whose research may appeal to them to discuss research interests and future opportunities.

Students who are not yet sure of their interest in scientific research or are interested in other kinds of professional development should consider the M.S. degree in Biology or Bioinformatics.

Georgia Tech provides application fee waivers to advance access, recognize outstanding undergraduate achievement, and engage prospective students in recruitment events where Georgia Tech is affiliated. Such fee waivers are currently available only to domestic applicants.

Selection of a thesis advisor is made in discussion with our faculty and/or via lab rotations during the first year, and the composition of the thesis committee is established by the student in consultation with the thesis advisor before the end of the first year.

Contact Information

Chung Kim

Chung Kim

Academic Program Manager
ckim@gatech.edu | 404.385.4240 | EBB 2009

Ph.D. Biology