Ph.D. in Biological Sciences
Wayne State University offers a broad choice of courses, research programs and teaching opportunities for doctoral studies. Each student follows an individualized program with a focus on original research, publication and presentation at meetings.
Our Ph.D. students receive financial support for at least five years of study. Support as a graduate teaching assistant, research assistant or graduate fellow provides a stipend, tuition and health benefits. On-campus housing is available, and many graduate students live in apartments near campus.
Admissions
See biological sciences graduate admissions for more information.
Forms
Procedure for doctoral studies
It is the student's responsibility to make sure that the Ph.D. requirements and documentation are fulfilled in a timely manner according to the sequence outlined below and to keep the advising office informed of their progress. Upon periodic review, students who are not up to date will receive a registration hold until the requirements are met.
The following synopsis is a combination of Graduate School and departmental requirements. Required forms are referenced by letter code with examples attached on the following pages; actual forms should be obtained in the department advising office.
Overall progress monitoring
Annual graduate student progress is maintained in the departmental advising office; it requires updating by the advisor with input from the student each year. For this and all other records of progress, the student should maintain regular contact with the advising office to confirm that progress has been properly documented and is officially on record in the Graduate School. Each year students fill out an annual progress report and a committee meeting confirmation form.
This will help avoid critical last-minute delays that can be caused by clerical errors or misunderstandings. A rolling record for each student will be maintained on an organization page (Biological Sciences Ph.D. Progress Group) found on Canvas. Students are encouraged to monitor their listings to ensure that the data are correct.
Career insights
This tool provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills, or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.