Ph.D. in Biological Sciences

From innovative ways to prevent and treat cancer to making New York City a more sustainable environment for humans and wildlife, our doctoral students are engaged in finding solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.

Fordham’s doctoral program in biology offers a unique cross-disciplinary experience. In our core courses, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge of cutting-edge molecular tools and techniques along with proficiency in systems biology. You’ll also pursue research in one of two areas of specialization: 

• Ecology
• Cell and Molecular Biology

You’ll benefit from working closely with our faculty in a program designed to move you quickly into the lab and on the path to independent research.

Program Highlights

• Teaching experience tutoring and lecturing in labs
• Access to the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Westchester County for research in ecology, evolution, and conservation 
• State-of-the-art lab facilities in Larkin Hall for research in a wide range of disciplines, including cell and molecular biology, cancer, microbiology, cytogenetics, phylogenetics, ultrastructure, and neurobiology 

Program Basics

• Competitive graduate assistantships available
• Courses are held at Fordham's Rose Hill Campus in the Bronx
• Curriculum requires 64 credits in ecology and 65 credits in cell and molecular biology. Both tracks include two core courses in ecology and two core courses in cell and molecular biology in the first year
• Comprehensive examination and dissertation required

Postdoctoral Work

Many of our graduates go on to postdoctoral work at major universities, including Columbia University, the University of Maryland, and the University of California, Los Angeles.

Careers

Our alumni have also gone on to work in academia, government, and industry, including:

• BGB Group
• Sackler Institute
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• Wildlife Conservation Society