Loyola University Chicago

What you'll study

The PhD in Biology is centred on original research and advanced coursework tailored to the student’s research programme. Early in the degree students typically take core graduate courses in topics such as molecular and cellular biology, genetics, advanced biostatistics, and experimental design, followed by specialised courses aligned with their laboratory’s emphasis.

• Advanced core subjects: molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, physiology, and quantitative methods for biological research.
• Specialist modules: depending on advisor and research focus, examples include developmental biology, immunology and host-pathogen interactions, neuroscience, microbial ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, and ecological modelling.
• Laboratory rotations or hosted research projects in different labs (early-stage students may rotate to identify an advisor), followed by focused dissertation research under the supervision of a primary advisor and dissertation committee.
• Research skills and professional development: grant-writing, scientific communication, ethics in research, teaching pedagogy for those who take teaching responsibilities, and workshops on reproducible science and data management.
• Qualifying examinations and a dissertation defence: students complete written and/or oral qualifying exams to advance to candidacy and must produce an original dissertation based on peer-reviewed research.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants normally hold a strong bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related discipline; many incoming students also hold a master’s degree and substantial laboratory or field research experience. Admissions assess academic record, research potential and fit with departmental research strengths rather than specific numeric cut-offs.

• Transcripts demonstrating a solid academic background in biological sciences and relevant quantitative coursework.
• Research experience: documented laboratory or field research, such as honours projects, internships, publications or substantial independent research, is strongly preferred.
• Application materials typically include a curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests, academic writing samples or publications (if available), and three letters of recommendation from academics or research supervisors.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency in accordance with university policy; details are handled by the graduate admissions office.
• Standardised tests: applicants should consult the department for current policy on tests such as the GRE; requirements may change and some applicants are admitted without test scores.
• Admission to the programme is also contingent on identifying a potential faculty advisor and availability of research space or funding in the chosen research area.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Biology pursue diverse career paths that leverage advanced research training, technical skills and scientific communication abilities.

• Academic research and teaching: postdoctoral positions leading to faculty roles in universities and liberal arts colleges.
• Industry and biotech: research scientist, product development, regulatory science and quality control roles in biotechnology, pharmaceutical and environmental companies.
• Government and non-profit research: roles in national and regional research laboratories, environmental agencies, public health organisations and conservation groups.
• Science policy, communication and management: positions in science outreach, grant management, research administration and policy advising where deep scientific expertise is required.
• Entrepreneurship and consulting: start-ups, contract research organisations and consultancy firms where doctoral-level problem-solving and experimental design skills are valued.

Why study at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola offers a doctoral environment with close faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration and access to both campus-based core facilities and local research partners. The university’s Jesuit mission emphasises ethical research and community engagement, which is reflected in opportunities for applied and translational projects.

• Research strengths span molecular and cellular biology, neuroscience, microbiology and ecology, allowing students to join labs across these areas and benefit from cross-disciplinary expertise.
• Proximity to Chicago’s research and healthcare ecosystem provides access to collaborations with regional hospitals, industry partners and environmental organisations.
• Graduate students typically receive financial support through teaching or research assistantships and internal fellowships; the department emphasises professional development and training in grant-writing, pedagogy and communication.
• Small cohort sizes and active dissertation committees ensure personalised mentoring and a supportive scholarly community, with opportunities to present at departmental seminars and regional conferences.