The Biology Department offers graduate work leading to the degree of doctor of philosophy. The primary emphasis is on an intensive research experience culminating in a thesis, though the student will also be expected to acquire a broad knowledge of related biological fields through an individual program of courses, seminars, and readings. The low student-faculty ratio in the department ensures close contact between students and their dissertation advisors. Faculty and invited outside speakers offer regular research seminars, and graduate students present their work as it progresses at a biweekly departmental colloquium. Additional courses and lectures of interest offered by other departments are also available to biology students. All PhD students are required to teach 3 semesters (2 in the introductory series) with faculty training and supervision. Teaching assistants are involved primarily in preparing materials for, and assisting in, laboratory courses and in evaluating student work. In the later years of the PhD program, some classroom teaching opportunities may be offered. Students are encouraged to spend a summer at the Marine Biological Lab in Woods Hole, Cold Spring Harbor labs, or another institution offering specialized graduate courses. Funds are available to support such coursework and to facilitate student travel to scientific conferences.
PhD in Biology at Wesleyan University
The Biology at Wesleyan University is a PhD program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Aberdeen, United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 4 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on September 4, 2026.
About Biology
Requirements
Entry Requirements
Application requirements vary by department and degree. Please check the application guidelines for the specific department and degree you are interested in.
Transcripts of Previous Study. Prospective candidates who hold baccalaureate or advanced degrees from colleges other than Wesleyan may submit unofficial transcripts with the application for the review process. Official transcripts are required of matriculates.
Test Scores. GRE: GRE scores are required by some (not all) graduate departments. Refer to the website of the department you are applying to for information on their specific requirements.
TOEFL/IELTS/DUOLINGO: Applicants whose primary language is other than English will be expected to demonstrate a proficiency in English sufficient to undertake graduate study. This includes the ability to read, write, and speak the language. International applicants who have received a degree from an institution with English as the primary language are not required to provide English proficiency test scores.
Wesleyan University accepts TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo scores. There is not a minimum required test score. Applicants may enter their unofficial scores on the application or may enter the date of a scheduled future test. Official electronic scores should be sent to Wesleyan University, school code 3959. Paper scores may be sent to the Office of Graduate Student Services, Wesleyan University, 265 Church Street, #128-132, Middletown, CT 06459.
Foreign Languages. Specific language preparation may be required as part of the application or as part of the program of study. Departmental statements regarding mastery of a second language may be found on the department’s website.
Notification of Acceptance. Students will be notified via the online admission portal of preliminary acceptance into the graduate program. Final acceptance is subject to the student’s satisfactory completion of work for the baccalaureate degree, receipt of official transcripts, and meeting the health requirements as set by the state of Connecticut.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 7
- TOEFLMin 100
Fee Information
How to Apply
Applicants to the PhD and MA programs who are starting a new application must select the incoming year from the first drop down and the year + GRADUATE from the second drop down. Applicants to the BA/MA program should select year + BA/MA from the second drop down. Wesleyan undergraduates should sign in as a returning user.
Returning users may continue an application or start a new application.
First-time users must set up an account before starting an application.
United States of America, Aberdeen