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Integrative Biology
PhD

The PhD program in integrative biology encourages students to consider research questions from diverse biological perspectives, ultimately addressing their questions through the integration of concepts from multiple disciplines. 

Our program provides a strong foundation in molecular and cellular biology, organismal and developmental biology, and ecology and evolution. We strive to:

  • prepare students for innovative careers in academia, government and industry
  • provide independent research experience
  • promote competency in scientific communication

Student success

Eman Khwaja standing on a boat with a whale surfacing in the background

Student spotlight

Eman Khwaja ‘26: Diversifying STEM through whale TikToks

Integrative biology PhD student shares her humpback whale research on social media while completing National Science Foundation Fellowship

Students must complete 55 semester credits, of which 19 are from graduate courses numbered 500 or above. Required courses include:

  • Biological Statistics
  • Professional Communication
  • one course each in Molecular & Cellular Biology, Organismal & Developmental Biology, and Evolution & Ecology
  • one course in a cross-disciplinary topic
  • 2 credits of BIO 525 (Graduate Student Seminar)
  • 34 credits are of doctoral research credit 
  • A minimum 3.0 grade point average must be maintained

At the conclusion of formal coursework, the student forms a committee, passes a written qualifying exam, and separately writes and defends an original research proposal. 

Research

UMass student with petri dish

Research spotlight

New: Integrative Biology PhD

The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education approved UMass Dartmouth’s new Integrative Biology PhD program, preparing leaders on the life sciences.

Areas of research

Faculty in the Integrative Biology program work in broad areas of biology.

  • molecules
  • genes
  • genomes
  • organisms
  • behaviors
  • ecosystems

Admissions requirements

To apply please create an account in our Applicant Portal. You will need to submit:

  • Application form
  • $60 application fee (non-refundable)
  • Statement of Purpose (minimum 300 words)
  • Resume
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended (regardless of whether a credential is earned or not)
  • English Proficiency test scores:TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic (if applicable)
  • Letter(s) of Recommendation (see program requirements for more information)
  • GRE/GMAT (not required for most programs, see program requirements for more information)

Unofficial transcripts and test scores are accepted for application review but official documents are required for enrollment, please have documents (ie. test scores) sent prior to the expiration. 

Program-specific requirements

Candidates must submit the required application materials, university requirements and program-specific requirements, for consideration.

  • 2 letters of recommendation. Applicants will be required to provide the recommenders name and email address so we can contact the recommender for the letter of recommendation.

Application dates

A limited number of assistantships are available on a competitive basis. This award is subject to the work needs of the position and department, your satisfactory performance of duties, your academic record, and availability of funds, and may be subject to change.

Learn more about assistantships at UMass Dartmouth

International (F-1) students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). To learn about the eligibility criteria and detailed steps to apply, please review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and USCIS resources. F-1 students must consult with the ISSC to apply for STEM OPT.