Dartmouth College

What you'll study

The PhD emphasises original research supported by formal coursework and training in experimental design, quantitative methods and scientific communication. Students typically take advanced courses in areas such as cell and molecular biology, genetics, developmental biology, systems and computational biology, neurobiology, ecology and evolutionary biology, depending on research focus.

Early in the programme students usually complete laboratory rotations to identify a dissertation laboratory and then undertake a substantial, independent research project leading to a written dissertation and oral defence. Training components commonly include:

• Advanced seminars and elective coursework tailored to the student’s research area
• Laboratory rotations to gain breadth in techniques and approaches
• Quantitative training in statistics, bioinformatics or computational modelling where relevant
• Teaching experience, typically through course assistance or supervised teaching opportunities
• Regular research presentations in lab meetings and departmental seminars
• Qualifying examinations or proposals that assess readiness to proceed to independent dissertation research

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related scientific discipline; many successful applicants also hold a master’s degree or have significant laboratory research experience. Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a detailed curriculum vitae, a personal statement outlining research interests and goals, and at least three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic and research capabilities.

Successful applicants demonstrate strong preparation in core biological sciences, laboratory skills, and quantitative reasoning. International applicants whose first language is not English are usually asked to provide evidence of English proficiency. The programme evaluates candidates on academic performance, research potential and fit with available faculty expertise.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue a range of careers in research-intensive and applied settings. Common pathways include tenure-track academic positions, postdoctoral research, roles in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, science policy and regulatory agencies, science communication and education, and positions in government or non-profit research organisations.

The programme’s strong emphasis on independent research, quantitative skills and communication prepares graduates for leadership roles in both basic and translational research environments, as well as for cross-disciplinary positions that require integration of molecular, computational and organismal perspectives.

Why study at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth offers a collegiate environment with close faculty-student interactions and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across departments and with clinical partners. The relatively small graduate cohorts enable personalised mentoring and access to research facilities and core technologies.

Faculty research at Dartmouth spans a wide spectrum of biological inquiry, providing students the chance to join labs working on molecular mechanisms, systems biology, ecology and evolution, and neuroscience among other areas. The College’s emphasis on undergraduate teaching also creates opportunities for graduate students to develop pedagogical skills. Proximity to regional research networks and clinical partners further supports translational projects and broader professional development.