Basic biological research has evolved into a broad, fast-paced and dynamic profession that drives newly emerging industries and actively shapes many human endeavors. Both globally and locally, cutting-edge research at Texas A&M University strives to improve the ways people everywhere manage their health and the health of their planet. You can participate in the biological revolution by joining our graduate program at Texas A&M University. We invite you to learn about us and consider graduate study in the Department of Biology at Texas A&M University as your gateway to the future
Advising
Research and training at the forefront of biology
Our Graduate Program in Biology offers a diverse range of integrative training opportunities for students seeking a Ph.D. degree in cutting-edge biological research. Basic biological research continues to lead the way for the other life sciences, and advances in medicine and agriculture are based on key discoveries generated by basic research. The Biology Department offers Ph.D. degrees in both Biology and Microbiology.
The Biology department offers Ph.D. training with faculty who explore a diverse suite of disciplines in the biological sciences, including cell, molecular, and developmental biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, microbiology, biological clocks, genetics and genomics, neuroscience and behavior, plant biology, and physiology and systems biology. Many faculty research programs span multiple research areas and levels of biological organization, creating a dynamic training environment for graduate students. Evolutionary theory sets the stage for many cross-disciplinary programs and research collaborations among our diverse faculty. All students entering the program receive rigorous academic training and carry out their research in competitive, state-of-the-art research labs.
Dr. Heath Blackmon, Graduate Advisor
hblackmon@bio.tamu.edu
Biological Sciences Bldg West (BSBW), Room 119C
Jennifer Bradford, Assistant Program Director
gradadvise@bio.tamu.edu
Butler Hall, Room 102
Phone: 979-845-7755
Fax: 979-845-2891
How To Apply
Completed applications are due by December 1, 2023 for Fall 2024 admittance
Applicants should visit the Faculty Research Interests page to identify the most suitable labs. Applicants are encouraged to contact faculty directly to discuss prospects for rotations and should include this information in the Statement of Purpose.
Submit the on-line application through the Texas A&M Graduate CAS application portal.
In addition to the online application, you will need to submit the following:
1. A Statement of Purpose can be submitted through CAS: The statement of purpose should then explain why you want to pursue graduate studies, why you are applying to our department, your research interests, and a description of your previous research experience. In addition, applicants should visit Faculty Research Interests to identify labs of interest for rotations, and include this information in the Statement of Purpose.
2. Transcripts can be sent directly to the Texas A&M Office of Admissions (address below). While official transcripts are being sent to the university, you can upload unofficial transcripts in CAS.
- Official transcripts MUST be received before the start of the fall semester if admitted to the program.
3. Three Letters of Recommendation can be submitted through CAS.
4. TOEFL/IELTS scores:
- TOEFL scores should be sent to the Texas A&M Office of Admissions. The Institute Code for Texas A&M University is 6003 (there is no department code needed).
- In order for your application to be considered, you should have a TOEFL score of above 100 total, with a speaking score of 23 or higher.
- IELTS scores need to be sent electronically to Texas A&M University (College Station and Galveston). Texas A&M University only accepts scores submitted electronically by the IELTS test center. No paper Test Report Forms will be accepted.
- IELTS scores should be above 7 total, with a speaking score of 7 or higher.
- For more information on what countries are exempt from TOEFL or IELTS, please see https://admissions.tamu.edu/apply/international/international-graduate under the “Proof of English Proficiency” section.
5. CV: Upload your resume or CV to CAS.
**We no longer take the GRE for graduate applicants.
Please do not send any materials directly to the Department of Biology. Everything should go to the Office of Admissions or uploaded through AIS.
Timeline To Ph.D.
The decision to enter graduate school is a decision to commit to a rigorous advanced scientific training program. Requirements for the Ph.D. include course work, participation in seminars relevant to the field of research, successful completion of an oral qualifying examination, one year of teaching experience, and completion of a research dissertation under faculty guidance.
The First Year
Upon arriving at Texas A&M, we help you get acclimated to life in College Station and in the Department of Biology. You will meet your fellow entering students, who will undoubtedly be a source of friendship and moral support during graduate school and beyond. You also are introduced to our faculty and staff, who will help you become an integral part of our Department.
First year studies primarily involve coursework related to your chosen field. By the end of the first year, our students draw up a personalized degree plan with the help of an initial guidance committee. Laboratory rotations are completed by end of the first year, and students identify the lab in which they will carry out their dissertation research.
The Second Year
During the second year, students complete required coursework and focus on learning the techniques they will be using to carry out their research. By the end of their second year, students are expected to have formally defined their research plan. Comprehensive written and oral qualifying exams are administered by the student’s dissertation committee members, and must be completed before the beginning of the third year. Passing the qualifying exam marks the student’s advancement to candidacy, and the remainder of graduate studies consists of dissertation research.
Third Year and Beyond
During their third and fourth years, students carry out the research that will form the body of their dissertation. Coursework is limited to seminars and special topics courses related to their research. As a part of their training, students will make presentations of their research project to their peers, attend seminars and participate in journal clubs. To complete the requirements for a Ph.D., students prepare and defend their dissertation in a public presentation. This is typically completed at the end of the fifth year, although some students complete sooner and some later than this.
Rotations
Laboratory rotations are a central component of our students’ first year. Our entering students work in three different laboratories during the first semester (5 weeks in each laboratory). Some students enter our program to work with a specific faculty sponsor, and take advantage of the rotation requirement to broaden their expertise in a complementary area. Most students, however, enter our program unattached to any specific lab. Rotations give our new students an opportunity after arriving at Texas A&M to identify the laboratory that is most suited to their research and academic interests. While most entering students decide on a permanent laboratory home after their second rotation, many choose to do one or two additional laboratory rotations.
The time spent in these rotations will help ensure that you make the right choice in advisors and are comfortable and excited about the lab you are entering and the people you will be working with.
Graduate Assistant Support
All of our students are support through Graduate Assistantships, which are given in the form of Teaching Assistantships or Research Assistantships. As long as the student remains in good standing with the department and the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies, they will be fully supported until the degree is completed.
The Graduate Assistantships cover tuition and a living stipend of $2,500 per month. Students do not have to apply for the assistantships; we provide support to all admitted Ph.D. students.
Forms & Handbook
Department of Biology Graduate Forms
- First-Year Committee Meeting Form (pdf)
- Annual Committee Meeting Form (pdf)
- Ph. D. Handbook 2021
- Ph.D. Handbook 2018
- Ph.D. Handbook 2015
- Graduate Handbook 2012
- Graduate Handbook 2008
Office of Graduate Studies Forms
- All OGAPS forms must be filled out using tARCS, which is located in the Howdy portal.
- These forms include:
- Research Proposal Approval Form
- Preliminary Examination Checklist and Report
- Request and Announcement of the Final Examination
- Request for Exemption from the Final Examination
- Written Dissertation Approval Form
- Written Thesis Approval Form
- Thesis, Dissertation, and Record of Study – Copyright Availability
- Final Exam Results forms
Degree Plans and Petitions (Course Change, Committee Change, MDD, etc.)
- Must be submitted via the DPSS website
Courses
Biology PhD Track Degree Plan
Required Courses for the First Long Semester (Fall, Year 1)
| BIOL 683 | Experimental Design |
| BIOL 613 | Cell Biology |
| BIOL 694 | Graduate Orientation |
| BIOL 697 | Method of Teaching Biology Laboratory |
| BIOL 681 | Seminar: Departmental Colloquium |
Required Courses for the Second Long Semester (Spring, Year 1)
| BIOL 609 | Molecular Tools |
| BIOL 696 | Ethics and Responsible Research |
| BIOL 681 | Seminar: Departmental Colloquium |
| BIOL 691 | Research* |
| * Students must enroll in either 4 hours of research with their major PI or enroll in 1 hour of research and 3 hours of elective coursework. The PI will determine additional elective coursework. |
Required Courses for the Third Long Semester (Fall, Year 2)
| BIOL 610 | Evolution |
| BIOL 651 | Bioinformatics |
| BIOL 681 | Journal Club (1 hour) |
| BIOL 691 | Research with PI (2 hours) |
Required Courses for the Fourth Long Semester (Spring, Year 2 through Graduation)
| BIOL 681 | Journal Club (1 hour) |
| BIOL 691 | Research (8 hours) |
Microbiology PhD Track Degree Plan
Required Courses for the First Long Semester (Fall, Year 1)
| BIOL 613 | Cell Biology |
| BIOL 683 | Experimental Design |
| BIOL 694 | Graduate Orientation |
| BIOL 697 | Method of Teaching Biology Laboratory |
| BIOL 681 | Seminar: Departmental Colloquium |
Required Courses for the Second Long Semester (Spring, Year 1)
| BIOL 606 | Microbial Genetics |
| BIOL 609 | Molecular Tools |
| BIOL 696 | Ethics and Responsible Research |
| BIOL 691 | Research (1 hour) |
| BIOL 681 | Seminar: Departmental Colloquium |
Required Courses for the Third Long Semester (Fall, Year 2)
| BIOL 622 | Microbial Physiology |
| BIOL 651 | Bioinformatics |
| BIOL 681 | Journal Club (1 hour) |
| BIOL 691 | Research with PI (2 hours) |
Required Courses for the Fourth Long Semester (Spring, Year 2 through Graduation)
| BIOL 681 | Journal Club (1 hour) |
| BIOL 661 | Antimicrobial Agents (only in 4th semester) |
| BIOL 691 | Research (7 hours) |
Activities
Student Post-Doc Research Conference
The Student Post-Doc Research Conference (SPRC) is an event that allows graduate students and post-docs to share their research with each other. Participants in the SPRC are required to create a poster of their work and then have the option to give a talk or participate in the Data Blitz.
The goal of the Data Blitz is to articulate a topic in a quick, insightful, and clear manner. These short talks (limited to 2 minutes) are intended to grab the attention of the audience and will allow for several presenters to share their ideas in a brief period of time.
Biology Graduate Student Association
The Biology Graduate Student Association (BioGSA) is a student-led organization that helps to create events for the graduate program. They have organized monthly Shop Talks, where students gather together to discuss their research in a relaxed environment; the annual kickball game that takes place before the start of the fall semester; and the International Festival that celebrates the many cultures and diversity in the department.
The BioGSA also holds yearly t-shirt sales to help raise funds for the organization.
Outreach Activities
The Department of Biology’s outreach committee is responsible for developing and maintaining outreach projects, such as STEM events at local schools, in the Bryan-College Station area. Over the last year, the outreach committee has created a sustainable program by meeting with schools in the area to assess need, obtaining resources for experiments, and collaborating with other departments. We have participated in STEM nights at schools in College Station, Navasota, and Bryan. We have also had volunteers participate at several outreach events for organizations such as, Women in Science and Engineering with the Expanding Your Horizons events as well as the Texas Junior Academy of Science, The Big Event, Chemistry Open House, The TAMU Ecological Integration Symposium, Physicsfest, BioBlitz and judge at local science fairs.
Student Research Week
Student Research Week is a three day competition that highlights research occurring on the Texas A&M campus with an emphasis on research in which students participate. SRW provides a venue for students to present their work, both through oral presentations and posters. This event allows students, faculty, and the community to see the depth and breadth of research conducted at Texas A&M.
Graduate Resources and Development for Aggies
Several Texas A&M offices providing support to graduate students have joined efforts to deliver a coordinated professional development program called G.R.A.D. Aggies, organized into four areas: Academic Development, Leadership and Communication Development, Instruction and Assessment and Career Development. The G.R.A.D. Aggies program supports the Texas A&M institutional Quality Enhancement Plan and provides high-impact learning experiences while promoting a commitment to learning for a lifetime in graduate and professional students.