Microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry
Doctor of Philosophy
Research to advance life
This program prepares you for a research-oriented career in which you could work in industry or academia to understand and cure diseases, develop pharmaceutical drugs, treat toxic waste, improve agriculture and more.
Research is a major component of the program. You’ll develop a research goal based on your lab work, collect and analyze data, publish your findings, and gain experience teaching undergraduate students.
The biological sciences faculty research strengths include topics related to reproductive biology, evolution and ecology, medical biosciences, neurobiology, and cellular and molecular biology.
Overview
From molecules to medicine
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Have an undergraduate degree in a life or physical science
- Are interested in lab work and data collection
- Like to solve problems and think critically about some of society’s most pressing challenges
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,437 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Postsecondary Biological Science Teachers • Postsecondary Chemistry Teachers
$48,689 - Clinical Research Coordinators
$103,303 - Chemists
$54,188 - Biochemists and Biophysicists
$66,010 - Microbiologists
$51,702
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Clubs
- Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA)
- U of I Environmental Club
Application information
Applicants for the Ph.D. in microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry must meet the following admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS: 79/6.5 (TOEFL score of 92 is required for a teaching fellowship)
- Number of references: 3
- Other requirements: When submitting your Statement of Purpose, indicate faculty members you would like to work with.
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.