University of South Alabama

What you'll study

The PhD programme combines advanced coursework with independent laboratory research. Early years typically include core graduate-level modules in molecular and cellular biology, experimental design, advanced biostatistics, and scientific communication, alongside elective seminars in specialised topics. Students undertake laboratory rotations to identify a dissertation laboratory, then progress to a research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor.

• Core topics: molecular biology, cell signalling, genetics and genomics, protein biochemistry, and statistical methods for biological research.
• Specialist areas: cancer and tumor biology, neuroscience and neurodegeneration, immunology and infectious disease, cardiovascular and pulmonary biology, pharmacology and toxicology, regenerative medicine.
• Research training: laboratory rotations, experimental design and reproducibility, grant-writing, data analysis, and access to core facilities for microscopy, genomics, proteomics and animal models.
• Progress milestones: qualifying/competency examination, dissertation proposal/defence, and final dissertation defence based on original research.
• Professional development: opportunities in teaching experience, journal clubs, departmental seminars, and workshops on science communication, ethics and translational research.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant bachelor's degree, and a master’s degree is advantageous but not always required for well-qualified candidates. A strong background in biological sciences, biochemistry, molecular biology or a closely related field is expected, together with demonstrable laboratory research experience.

• Academic transcripts: official transcripts showing undergraduate (and graduate, if applicable) preparation in relevant subjects.
• Research experience: prior laboratory experience and a clear record of research potential; publications or conference presentations strengthen an application.
• References: at least three letters of recommendation from academic or research supervisors.
• Statement of purpose/CV: a research statement outlining interests, experience and intended faculty mentors, plus a current CV.
• Standardised tests: GRE scores may be optional or considered case-by-case; international applicants will need to demonstrate English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS) where required.
• Funding suitability: many students enter via faculty-funded research assistantships or competitive fellowships; admission decisions may consider funding alignment with faculty projects.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences pursue a wide range of careers in research, education and industry. The programme prepares students for independent research roles and leadership positions across sectors.

• Academic careers: postdoctoral research positions leading to tenure-track faculty roles and teaching-focused appointments.
• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry: research scientist, discovery and translational scientist, drug development, and quality control/assurance roles.
• Clinical and translational research: positions in clinical trial design, translational medicine units, and collaborations with medical centres and hospitals.
• Government and non-profit: research scientist roles in government laboratories, public health agencies, and science policy or regulatory affairs.
• Other paths: science communication, patent law (with additional training), technical consulting and entrepreneurship in life-science startups.

Why study at University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama offers a PhD embedded within a medical campus that fosters close interaction between basic scientists and clinicians. Students benefit from access to the College of Medicine, affiliated hospitals and specialised research centres that support translational projects.

• Research environment: collaborative faculty with expertise across cancer research, neurosciences, infectious disease, cardiovascular and pulmonary biology, and pharmacology.
• Research centres and core facilities: access to institutional research centres and modern core facilities for imaging, genomics, proteomics and animal models to support high-quality, multidisciplinary research.
• Clinical linkage: proximity to affiliated hospitals and clinical investigators enables translational research opportunities and clinical collaborations.
• Funding and training support: opportunities for research assistantships, teaching assignments and competitive internal fellowships, plus professional development programmes for career preparation.
• Community and mentorship: smaller cohort sizes that support close mentorship, departmental seminar series, and peer networks to aid progression to independent research careers.