Program: Biological Sciences, (PhD) - University of Memphis

Jun 01, 2025

2025-2026 GRADUATE CATALOG {Editing in Progress}

Program objectives are: (1) understand biological principles, concepts, and theories, and in-depth knowledge in a chosen specialty; (2) develop expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and oral and written presentation of research results; and (3) become competitive for professional positions in the biological sciences.

PhD Degree Program

Program Admission

Application should be made online through The University of Memphis Graduate School portal https://apply.memphis.edu/portal/graduate_application. Information on the application process can be obtained by emailing the department Graduate Studies Coordinator (grad_studies_coordinator@memphis.edu).
Official transcripts of all previous academic coursework must be sent directly from the issuing institution to The University of Memphis Graduate Admissions. Prospective MS students must hold a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. An overall minimum grade point average of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale) at the undergraduate level is usually competitive. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). If the applicant has a degree or coursework from a foreign institution, they must have credentials evaluated by an agency listed on the Association of International Credential Evaluation Services website (https://aice-eval.org) or the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services web site (www.naces.org). Please check the website of the specific program to determine if this evaluation is required.by any credentialing agency listed on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services’ website. The course-by-course report is required. See https://www.memphis.edu/graduateadmissions/future/admproc.php for more information. The course-by-course report is required.
To be competitive, applicants should have majored in a STEM or STEM education discipline or have completed upper division coursework in one of these disciplines.
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission into our PhD program.
Applicants for the PhD degree require a faculty advisor for acceptance into the program. Applicants must contact a potential faculty research advisor in the department’s graduate program. The faculty advisor will send the student and the Graduate Studies Coordinator (grad_studies_coordinator@memphis.edu) a letter stating that (1) they are willing to mentor the applicant and (2) how the student will be funded while in the program.
Two letters of recommendation from persons capable of assessing the applicant’s suitability for graduate work in biology must be submitted to the Graduate School application site.
For all applicants who do not have a degree or citizenship for an approved English speaking county (https://www.memphis.edu/graduateadmissions/future/admission-requirements.php), and English proficiency exam is required. Current minimum scores accepted can be found https://www.memphis.edu/graduateadmissions/future/admission-requirements.php.

Program Requirements

A minimum of 72 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree is required. For a full-time student, the typical time to complete the program is 4-5 years. A student entering the PhD program with a MS degree may be awarded 30 semester hours toward the 72 hours requirement dependent on course transfer results. A minimum of 42 semester hours must be taken in residence.
A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained. A student whose grade point average drops below 3.0 will have one semester to raise their GPA to 3.0 or better. Continuation of a student who fails to reach a 3.0 overall GPA during two consecutive semesters while in the graduate program is at the discretion of the Graduate Studies Committee (in consultation with the student’s Advisory Committee) and the student may be dismissed.
Mandatory courses include BIOL 8002 (Science Teaching and Communication) BIOL 8092, BIOL 8102, BIOL 8103, BIOL 8200, BIOL 8600, and BIOL 9000. BIOL 8002 must be completed during the first year of residence. Attendance at departmental seminars is mandatory. Up to nine hours of BIOL 8092, and eight hours of BIOL 8200 can be counted toward the degree requirements. Eighteen credit hours of BIOL 9000 must be completed during the program; no more than 18 hours will be counted toward the degree.
Students are required to take one class in statistical theory. Approved statistics classes can be found in the Biology Graduate Handbook.
Becoming a Ph.D. Candidate is a two-step process that is usually completed by the end of the third year.
1. A written and oral presentation of the student’s Research Prospectus will be made. Details of the plan of research must be approved by the advisory committee prior to collection of data.
2. All students are required to take and pass a written and oral Comprehensive Examination administered by the student’s advisory committee before the end of their sixth semester in residence. The scope of the examination is broad and includes a review of general biological principles.
A dissertation will be required of all candidates for the doctoral degree. The dissertation must show a mastery of the techniques of scientific research, and it must be a distinct and new contribution to the body of scientific knowledge. The student’s Advisory Committee must approve the topic, prospectus, and the final dissertation. At least 18 hours of research and dissertation credit (BIOL 9000) must be completed during the graduate program; no more than 18 hours will be counted toward the degree.
A minimum of one first author publication (published or fully accepted paper) in a peer reviewed scientific journal approved by the advisory committee is required to be awarded a PhD.
Dissertation Defense and Final Examination - The final examination will be conducted by the student’s advisory committee. The final examination will be an oral defense of the dissertation and will be announced and open to the public. Upon successful completion of the examination and all degree requirements, the committee will recommend awarding the PhD.