PhD Biological Sciences at University of South Dakota

Programme overview

Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, described as the highest degree in biology, with a general track and specializations in integrative biology, neuroscience and conservation biology, intended for careers in research and academia.

Faculty: College of Arts & Sciences | Department: Biology | Study mode: full-time | Location: Vermillion, SD, United States

What you will study

Specialization coursework includes biostatistics, neurobiology, organismal biology and foundations of ecology and conservation (integrative biology), and neuroanatomy, endocrinology, neuropharmacology and medical neurosciences (neuroscience). Specialization credit loads are 15 to 16 hours.

Career pathways

Microbiologist, environmental scientist, natural sciences manager, medical scientist or postsecondary biological science educator; conservation biology graduates work in academia, government agencies, non-profits and research institutions.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University-wide graduate applicants (all USD graduate programmes): a bachelor's degree (B.A., B.S. Some programmes require test scores, letters of recommendation (submitted through the CAS Evaluator Portal; number varies by programme) and a statement of purpose uploaded in GradCAS. International applicants need proof of English proficiency unless holding a degree from an exempt English-speaking country: TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS Academic 6.0, Duolingo English Test 110, PTE 53, TOEFL Essentials 8.5, Cambridge 169, or Trinity ISE 93, plus a resume and passport copy. Application fee $38 (non-refundable).

Requirements published at program group level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Entry terms for international applicants: Spring 2027 classes start January 11, 2027 (new student arrival deadline January 10); Fall 2027 classes start August 23 (new student arrival deadline August 20).

Graduate applications go through the USD Graduate Application or GradCAS; Audiology, Speech Language Pathology, Law, Medical, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies and Social Work use specialty CAS applications. Application deadlines are set per programme in the Graduate Catalog and are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The graduate application fee cannot be waived or deferred and is non-refundable.

Law (JD): applications open September 1 for the next year's admission; applicants apply through LSAC CAS and must submit the LSAT, GRE or JD Next. June LSAT scores are accepted for the same year if the application is submitted by July 1. Out-of-state applicants scoring 150+ on the LSAT receive in-state tuition.

Apply through the official page: https://www.usd.edu/Admissions-and-Aid/Apply

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