Washington State University at Vancouver

What you'll study

Doctoral candidates conduct advanced, interdisciplinary research across biological and environmental sciences while working closely with graduate faculty engaged in nationally and internationally recognized projects. Training takes place in state‑of‑the‑art laboratories and typically involves collaborations with regional medical, environmental, research and teaching institutions.

Entry requirements

Applicants must secure a faculty mentor before applying by reviewing faculty research pages and contacting potential advisors; an invitation from a mentor is required to proceed. After a mentor invites the applicant, the candidate must notify the natural sciences graduate programs coordinator with contact details, the target degree and the mentor's name, then submit the online application (select WSU Pullman when prompted and explicitly name the Vancouver faculty mentor in the statement of purpose to route materials to Vancouver). Required application materials include three letters of recommendation submitted electronically, transcripts (official electronic transcripts from U.S. institutions can be routed to grad.sch.transcript@wsu.edu; unofficial copies are acceptable for review), a statement of purpose identifying the target faculty mentor, a current CV or résumé, and TOEFL scores for international applicants sent from ETS using Institutional Code 4705. Applicants may speed evaluation by emailing or mailing PDF copies of application materials to the Natural Sciences Graduate Programs Coordinator at the Vancouver address provided.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for research and teaching roles supported by the program's strong regional links. The program's proximity to varied institutions across the Pacific Northwest positions alumni for careers in academic research, environmental consulting, governmental agencies, and collaborative projects with medical and research centers in the region.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Graduate students have access to multiyear stipends that blend teaching and research assistantships and receive full tuition waivers. The program highlights robust financial support combined with opportunities for regional collaboration that can enhance research visibility and professional networking.