Graduate Programs in the Life Sciences

All programs train students in areas that cross the boundaries of traditional scientific disciplines.  Each program has its own emphasis; prospective applicants can learn about the curriculum and research focus of a particular program by clicking on the appropriate link shown at right.

All three of the life sciences Ph.D. have certain basic features in common:

• All programs emphasize training students to do research. The majority of classroom study is completed in the first two semesters after entry; dissertation research starts the summer after the first year.
• Students may select as dissertation advisor any one of the more than 50 life sciences faculty members affiliated with five different academic departments.  The choice of one of the four programs does not restrict the choice of advisor.
• All successful applicants to the Ph.D. programs in the life sciences are offered full tuition waivers, a stipend, and health insurance allowance. The stipend for the 2011-2012 academic year is $29,580 (for a 12-month period) and the health insurance allowance up to $2,500 for a total financial package of $32,080.
• The life science Ph.D. programs begin admitting students on January 1st. Applications are welcome until the class is complete (usually in April). 
• Students in all four programs can participate in the new Brandeis interdepartmental Graduate Program in Quantitative Biology to be trained in new research fields that cross the traditional boundaries between life sciences and physical sciences.

Prospective applicants should consult the individual program descriptions for guidance on which program is most suitable for their needs and interests.  Students with interests in the physical sciences may also wish to read about the Brandeis Chemistry and  Physics Ph.D. programs.  General information about graduate study at Brandeis can be obtained from the  Graduate School of Arts and Sciences web site.