Degrees Offered

• Doctor of Philosophy (in Biological Sciences)

Specializations

N/A

Program Description

The biological sciences graduate program aspires to train experimental scientists capable of teaching and directing independent research by providing a broad theoretical background and an appreciation for the rigor of the scientific method. Students are prepared for employment in faculty positions and research posts in academia and industry.

The neuroscience area is offered in collaboration with the neuroscience faculty in the Department of Biomedical Sciences in the College of Health Sciences. Students receive specialized course work in the neurosciences and choose a neuroscience laboratory from either department for their dissertation research. The main areas of research include: the neurobiology of addiction, stress and affective disorders such as depression and schizophrenia, mechanisms of feeding behavior and obesity, neuronal regeneration and repair, circadian systems, learning and memory, and ion channels.

Visit the Department Web Page for more detailed program information.

Application Requirements

• Read all application instructions prior to beginning an application.
• A completed application form and fee online
• Official transcripts from all current and previous colleges/universities except Marquette.
• A statement of professional goals and aspirations
• Three letters of recommendation that give evidence of the applicant's scholarly promise
• GRE scores (General Test is required, Subject Test is recommended)
• For international applicants only: TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency

Application Deadline

Completed applications will be reviewed starting on December 15 for admission to the following fall term. Applications for admission received after this date may be considered as space permits.

Financial Aid

The Department of Biological Sciences is committed to the full 12 month support of each graduate student in good academic standing, including an 18-credit tuition scholarship and stipend. Ph.D. students are supported by teaching assistantships or by federal grant-supported research assistantships. Additional fellowships provided by the University or by private foundations are awarded on a competitive basis to Ph.D. candidates that qualify. The nine-month academic year stipend for 2012-2013 was $22,130 plus a summer stipend and university supported health insurance. A select number of domestic Ph.D. students will be supported by federal GAANN Fellowships.  Private scholarships may also be available. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for need-based federal aid (loans) to help fund their educational expenses as well.