Biology
Doctor of Philosophy
Biology with purpose
As a graduate student in the Doctor of Philosophy in biology program, you'll gain hands-on experience conducting experiments, assisting in undergraduate instruction and engaging with topics in research ethics and professional development. You'll collaborate with expert faculty on research in areas like cellular biology, neurobiology, evolutionary science, ecology or reproductive systems.
Whether you're aiming to innovate new medical treatments, advance agricultural technologies, contribute to environmental policy or pursue a career in academia, a doctorate in biological sciences equips you with the knowledge and research skills to reach your goals.
Overview
From lab work to life’s work
Application information
Applicants for the Ph.D. in biology program must meet the following degree-specific application requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo: 79/6.5/115 (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language; TOEFL score of 92 or equivalent is required for teaching fellowship)
- Number of references: Three
- Other requirements: Indicate faculty members you would like to work with in your statement of purpose
Program availability
- Semester intake: Fall
- Eligible for international admission
- Deadlines: December 1 for priority consideration
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Contact information
Biological Sciences contact: Diana Mitchell (dmitchell@uidaho.edu)
Graduate Admissions contact: graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu, 208-885-4001
Costs, funding and research
Learn how to fund your graduate degree by visiting the graduate funding resources page.
Visit financial aid to find detailed information about cost of attendance for grad students.
Beginning Fall 2026, Ph.D. students appointed as Teaching Assistants will receive an annual support package that includes:
- Base stipend: $23,368.80 for the 9-month academic year
- In-state tuition: fully covered by the program
- Out-of-state tuition: waived for non-resident students
- Health insurance: fully covered
- Summer support: additional scholarship up to $8,000, depending on funding availability
Degree fit
This degree could be a good fit if you:
- Hold an undergraduate degree in a life or physical science
- Have a strong interest in lab work and data collection
- Have a desire to solve problems and think critically about some of society’s most pressing issues
Related clubs and organizations
- Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA)
- U of I Environmental Club
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,453 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Natural Sciences Managers • Clinical Research Coordinators • Water Resource Specialists
$152,874 - Bioinformatics Scientists • Molecular and Cellular Biologists • Geneticists • Biologists
$90,412 - Agricultural Technicians • Precision Agriculture Technicians
$43,984 - Food Science Technicians
$47,588 - Biological Technicians
$49,255
* Career data provided by Lightcast.