Evolutionary Biology, PhD
How do organisms adapt? What is the history of our species? Dobzhansky famously wrote, "Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution." In this program, you'll learn about fundamental processes that govern the history and dynamics of living systems, from molecules to cells, from societies to ecosystems.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The Doctor of Philosophy in evolutionary biology is a transdisciplinary graduate degree program that provides you with doctorate-level training in the historical, conceptual, empirical and quantitative aspects of biological evolution.
Evolution is a fundamental scientific concept that underlies all aspects of modern biological, environmental and health-related research. It cuts across biological sciences in ways that few other foci do and informs the theoretical foundations of subfields such as population genetics and ecosystem ecology. It allows integration of information and patterns across levels of organization, informs the theoretical foundations of subfields ranging from population genetics to systematics to ecosystem ecology, and provides bridges between temporal and spatial scales.
Forgoing emphases on particular taxa or methods, the program focuses on understanding the patterns and processes that have shaped life on Earth and continue to do so, training you to be a part of the next generation of scientists to use this knowledge to meet present and future challenges to the biosphere and human health in the face of increasing environmental perturbation.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (9 credit hours) Electives (9 credit hours) Other Requirements (54 credit hours) Dissertation (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
BIO 514 Statistical Models for Biology (4)
EVO 601 Principles of Evolution (3)
EVO 610 Research Areas of Evolution (2)
The program advisor and the student's advisor will determine these courses in conjunction with the student.
research, coursework or 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree
EVO 799 Dissertation (12)
Students take EVO 610 (1 credit hour) twice.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Able to review the literature relevant to the research question in evolutionary biology that they address in their dissertation.
- Able to execute a research plan of their own design that addresses a significant scientific question about evolutionary biology.
- Able to communicate the rationale and results of their research, both orally and in writing.
Able to review the literature relevant to the research question in evolutionary biology that they address in their dissertation.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related discipline from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Applicants must submit the following: Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 11/15 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Those who have earned a doctorate in evolutionary biology are prepared for academic careers at every level, from community colleges to research universities. Their skills and knowledge are also valuable for government careers in federal and state agencies, industry, and nongovernmental organizations.
Career examples include:
- health care scientist in an academic, private or industrial lab
- elementary or high school science teacher
- principal investigator in a government lab or nonprofit organization
- professor or instructor in a university or college
- wildlife, animal or conservation scientist
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Life Sciences
|
LSA 181
sols.grad@asu.edu
480-965-1768
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
