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60 Best PhD Life Sciences Programs in the United States

Across the United States, 30 universities offer 60 PhD Life Sciences programs — most run 4–6 years. The list starts with courses at Princeton University, Vanderbilt University and University of Notre Dame.

3PhD / Doctorate
PU Princeton University logo
QS World #15 #10 in United States United States

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Princeton University — About the CourseThe PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles t...

PhD / DoctorateLevel
4–6 yearsDuration
Full TimeMode
FallIntake
Life Sciences
4PhD / Doctorate
VU Vanderbilt University logo
QS World #250 #58 in United States United States

Biochemistry

Vanderbilt University — The PhD in Biochemistry at Vanderbilt University is an interdisciplinary program that delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying biological processes. Students will...

PhD / DoctorateLevel
4–6 yearsDuration
Full TimeMode
FallIntake
Life Sciences
5PhD / Doctorate
VU Vanderbilt University logo
QS World #250 #58 in United States United States

Cancer Biology

Vanderbilt University — The PhD program in Cancer Biology at Vanderbilt University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of cancer. The curricu...

PhD / DoctorateLevel
4–6 yearsDuration
Full TimeMode
FallIntake
Life Sciences
6PhD / Doctorate
VU Vanderbilt University logo
QS World #250 #58 in United States United States

Cell and Developmental Biology

Vanderbilt University — The PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology at Vanderbilt University delves into the intricacies of how cells function and develop, alongside the mechanisms that regulate t...

PhD / DoctorateLevel
4–6 yearsDuration
Full TimeMode
FallIntake
Life Sciences
7PhD / Doctorate
VU Vanderbilt University logo
QS World #250 #58 in United States United States

Chemical and Physical Biology

Vanderbilt University — The PhD in Chemical and Physical Biology at Vanderbilt University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the biological processes at the mo...

PhD / DoctorateLevel
4–6 yearsDuration
Full TimeMode
FallIntake
Life Sciences
8PhD / Doctorate
UN University of Notre Dame logo
QS World #294 #72 in United States United States

Theology: Ph.D.

University of Notre Dame — The Ph.D. program in Theology at the University of Notre Dame offers a profound exploration of various theological disciplines, including biblical studies, historical the...

PhD / DoctorateLevel
4–6 yearsDuration
Full TimeMode
FallIntake
Life Sciences
9PhD / Doctorate
WS Washington State University at Vancouver logo
QS World #466 #103 in United States United States

Doctor of Philosophy in Biology

Washington State University at Vancouver — The Doctor of Philosophy in Biology at Washington State University at Vancouver is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of biological principle...

PhD / DoctorateLevel
4–6 yearsDuration
Full TimeMode
FallIntake
Life Sciences
10PhD / Doctorate
WS Washington State University at Vancouver logo
QS World #466 #103 in United States United States

Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience

Washington State University at Vancouver — The Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience at Washington State University at Vancouver is a comprehensive program designed to delve into the complexities of the brain and n...

PhD / DoctorateLevel
4–6 yearsDuration
Full TimeMode
FallIntake
Life Sciences
11PhD / Doctorate
WS Washington State University at Vancouver logo
QS World #466 #103 in United States United States

Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Biology

Washington State University at Vancouver — The Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Biology program at Washington State University at Vancouver is designed to cultivate advanced knowledge and research skills in the field...

PhD / DoctorateLevel
4–6 yearsDuration
Full TimeMode
FallIntake
Life Sciences
12PhD / Doctorate
UA University of Alaska - Fairbanks logo
QS World #467 #104 in United States United States

Ph.D. in Biological Sciences

University of Alaska - Fairbanks — The Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks prepares students for advanced research and academic careers focused on the complexities of biologi...

PhD / DoctorateLevel
4–6 yearsDuration
Full TimeMode
FallIntake
Biology
13PhD / Doctorate
RP Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute logo
QS World #494 #118 in United States United States

Biochemistry and Biophysics

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute — The PhD program in Biochemistry and Biophysics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers an in-depth exploration of the molecular mechanisms that govern biological proce...

PhD / DoctorateLevel
4–6 yearsDuration
Full TimeMode
FallIntake
Life Sciences
14PhD / Doctorate
RP Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute logo
QS World #494 #118 in United States United States

Biology

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute — The PhD in Biology at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers an exceptional opportunity for students to delve deep into biological sciences, fostering a strong understan...

PhD / DoctorateLevel
4–6 yearsDuration
Full TimeMode
FallIntake
Life Sciences
15PhD / Doctorate
CG CUNY Graduate School and University Center logo
QS World #545 #134 in United States New York, United States

Biochemistry

CUNY Graduate School and University Center — The PhD in Biochemistry at CUNY Graduate School and University Center is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and research skills...

PhD / DoctorateLevel
4–6 yearsDuration
Full TimeMode
FallIntake
Life Sciences
16PhD / Doctorate
CG CUNY Graduate School and University Center logo
QS World #545 #134 in United States New York, United States

Biology

CUNY Graduate School and University Center — The PhD in Biology at CUNY Graduate School and University Center offers a rigorous academic program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge in the field of bio...

PhD / DoctorateLevel
4–6 yearsDuration
Full TimeMode
FallIntake
Life Sciences
17PhD / Doctorate
CG CUNY Graduate School and University Center logo
QS World #545 #134 in United States New York, United States

Neuroscience

CUNY Graduate School and University Center — The PhD program in Neuroscience at CUNY Graduate School and University Center offers a rigorous training environment for students to explore the complexities of the nervo...

PhD / DoctorateLevel
4–6 yearsDuration
Full TimeMode
FallIntake
Life Sciences
18PhD / Doctorate
FI Florida International University logo
QS World #574 #155 in United States United States

Biochemistry

Florida International University — The PhD program in Biochemistry at Florida International University offers an in-depth exploration of the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. This rigo...

PhD / DoctorateLevel
4–6 yearsDuration
Full TimeMode
FallIntake
Life Sciences
20PhD / Doctorate
FI Florida International University logo
QS World #574 #155 in United States United States

Biology

Florida International University — The PhD in Biology at Florida International University is a comprehensive program designed to cultivate advanced understanding and research skills in various biological d...

PhD / DoctorateLevel
4–6 yearsDuration
Full TimeMode
FallIntake
Life Sciences
23PhD / Doctorate
US University of South Carolina logo
QS World #575 #156 in United States United States

Biological Sciences, Ph.D.

University of South Carolina — The Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of South Carolina-Columbia is designed to provide a rigorous and comprehensive education in biological research, equipp...

PhD / DoctorateLevel
4–6 yearsDuration
Full TimeMode
FallIntake
Life Sciences

How these courses are ranked

9 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #15 (Princeton University) to #575 (University of South Carolina); they are listed first, in that order. The rest are ordered by research impact. Princeton University has the largest research record in this group, with 27,547,724 citations and an h-index of 1,557. 2 universities have neither a QS position nor a research record yet and appear at the end, marked "Not yet ranked".

What the courses look like

Within the subject, the largest areas are Life Sciences (59) and Biology (1). The usual length is 4–6 years. 100% are full-time. Start dates lean to Fall (100% of courses with a stated intake). Medical College of Wisconsin offers the widest choice, with 5 of these courses.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best university in the United States for PhD Life Sciences?

Princeton University (QS World #15), Vanderbilt University (QS World #250) and University of Notre Dame (QS World #294) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university for PhD Life Sciences in the United States?

Of those with published fees, CUNY Graduate School and University Center is the least expensive at about USD 15,185 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How long does a PhD Life Sciences course take in the United States?

Most listed courses run 4–6 years.

When do PhD Life Sciences courses start in the United States?

Fall is the main intake — 100% of courses with a stated start date begin then.

Which university has the most PhD Life Sciences courses in the United States?

Medical College of Wisconsin, with 5, ahead of Florida International University (5).

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