PhD Evolutionary Biology at Arizona State University

Programme overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in evolutionary biology is a transdisciplinary graduate degree program that provides you with doctorate-level training in the historical, conceptual, empirical and quantitative aspects of biological evolution. Evolution is a fundamental scientific concept that underlies all aspects of modern biological, environmental and health-related research.

What you will study

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation Required Core (9 credit hours) BIO 514 Statistical Models for Biology (4) EVO 601 Principles of Evolution (3) EVO 610 Research Areas of Evolution (2) Electives (9 credit hours) The program advisor and the student's advisor will determine these courses in conjunction with the student.

Career pathways

Those who have earned a doctorate in evolutionary biology are prepared for academic careers at every level, from community colleges to research universities. Their skills and knowledge are also valuable for government careers in federal and state agencies, industry, and nongovernmental organizations. Career examples: health care scientist in an academic, private or industrial lab, elementary or high school science teacher, principal investigator in a government lab or nonprofit organization, professor or instructor in a university or college, wildlife, animal or conservation scientist.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related discipline from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Applicants must submit the following: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts academic record form personal statement curriculum vitae or resume three letters of recommendation proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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