tight-focus photo of tiny plant seedlings in water-filled test tubes

Biology

Students in the Ph.D. Program in Biology at the CUNY Graduate Center gain fundamental knowledge of current life sciences and mastery of investigative approaches in one of four specialized areas of study.

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Degree Offered

Ph.D. in Biology

Full-time
4 subprograms

Admissions Deadlines

December 1 - Neuroscience subprogram
January 1 - all other subprograms
Fall enrollment only

Contact

Biology

+1 212-817-8100 biology@gc.cuny.edu

The Biology program provides its students with interdisciplinary research and training opportunities in the world-class laboratories of doctoral faculty located at CUNY campuses and affiliated institutions throughout New York City.

The program prepares doctoral candidates to become research professionals equipped to teach in university programs and for leadership positions in biotechnology and research.

Subprograms

Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior

Behavior, ecology, evolution, and systematics. From anatomy to zoogeography. Faculty include members of the curatorial staff of the American Museum of Natural History.

Learn more about the Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior subprogram »

Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology

Molecular basis of cell function, of prokaryotic systems, of animal and plant development, and of complex biological processes such as the immune and nervous systems.

Learn more about the Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology subprogram »

Neuroscience

Organization and function of nervous systems, approached from biochemical, cellular, organismal, and environmental perspectives. Faculty include staff of the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities.

This subprogram is overseen by the CUNY Neuroscience Collaborative along with the Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience training area of the Ph.D. in Psychology.

Learn more about the Neuroscience subprogram »

Plant Sciences

Study of major plant taxa from bryophytes to flowering plants at every level of organization from the molecular to the ecosystem. Work ranges from theoretical to socioeconomic. Faculty include members of the curatorial staff of the New York Botanical Garden.

Explore the Plant Sciences subprogram »

Sep 30, 2022

Congratulations to the Biology Graduating Class of 2021-2022

The Biology program awarded a total of 14 doctoral degrees across our four subprograms in the 2021-2022 academic year. Congratulations to Aishwarya Bhattacharjee, Xueqing Chen, Taylan Baris Morcol, Onyekwere Onwumere, Shoshana Reich, Michael Anthony Tavarez, Sophia Varriano, Michelle K .Naidoo, Jordan Hoffman, Joyce Chan, Jennifer Zhu, Saymon Akther, Lan Truong, Andrew Guarnaccia on completing their Ph.D.s!

Learn more about our recent graduates

Congratulations/Kudos

Apr 8, 2022

Congratulations to Recent Biology Fellowship Winners

The Ph.D. program in Biology congratulates our students who have been awarded dissertation fellowships for the 2022-23 academic year:

Rose Dissertation Fellowship
Nazia Nayeem

Dissertation Year Award
Melenia Giakoumis
Gonzalo Pinilla Buitrago

Catalyst Grants
Lizettee Couto
Gonzalo Pinilla Buitrago
Simon Verlynde
Katerina Yamamoto

Congratulations/Kudos

Biology Spotlights

Our Sciences Spotlight series profiles students, faculty, and alumni associated with GC Sciences programs. Learn about our community:

Student: Matthew Cleere

Matt is investigating how to best modify blue-light photoreceptor proteins into novel engineered light-activated optogenetic tools to control cell biology.

Professor Andrew Wolfe - Biochemistry, Biology

Faculty: Andrew Wolfe

A biochemist seeks more effective and equitable ways to treat lung, pancreatic, and colon cancers.

Alumni: Jessica Allen

Dr. Jessica Allen is a lichenologist and assistant professor of biology at Eastern Washington University. She is also a 2018 graduate of the CUNY Graduate Center Ph.D. in Plant Science.

photo of the empire state building in new york city, looking up at the top from street-level, between the roofs of much shorter buildings

The Best of CUNY and NYC

Doctoral biology students have access to exceptional faculty and research facilities at CUNY campuses, including the Advanced Science Research Center at The Graduate Center, Baruch College, Brooklyn College, The City College of New York, College of Staten Island, Hunter College, Lehman College, New York City College of Technology, Queens College, CUNY School of Medicine., and York College. Students also have mentorship and research opportunities at affiliated distinguished NY institutions including the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Botanical Gardens.

Explore resources for students

miscroscope image of cells rendered in blues, greens and purples

Physics and Mathematics Meet Biology

Students and faculty conduct specialized research with institutions and initiatives within and outside of The Graduate Center. A collaboration with the Initiative in Theoretical Sciences (ITS) involves faculty who study the phenomena of life using methods grounded in the traditions of theoretical physics and applied mathematics. This initiative will significantly expand research and educational opportunities for Biology Ph.D. students (as well as students from disciplines such as Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science) interested in theory and other aspects of quantitative biology.

Learn more about the Initiative in Theoretical Sciences

Diversity Enhances our program and is a priority

We are proud to be part of the nation’s largest urban university, known for propelling diverse students into rewarding and meaningful careers. The Biology program benefits from attracting students of all backgrounds who hail from throughout New York City and around the world. We are devoted to creating an environment in which diverse students are supported in their work and empowered to excel as scientists and educators.