PhD in Human Paleobiology in Washington, D.C. United States | George Washington University

The doctoral program in human paleobiology represents the graduate education initiative of GW's Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, fostering multidisciplinary research on human evolution. Since fossils, artifacts, and genetic material provide complex and often indirect evidence for testing evolutionary theories, investigations into human origins highlight the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration.

This five-year curriculum offers intensive foundational training in human paleontology, archaeology, molecular biology, genomics, behavioral studies, ecology, and statistical analysis. It prioritizes hands-on learning through problem-solving exercises and includes practical training in science communication—covering media platforms like television, digital media, museums, and journalism. The initial two years focus on coursework, professional development seminars, grant-writing instruction for dissertation proposals, and research integration from the program's outset. In years two and three, students undertake two specialized lab rotations to expand their methodological expertise. After the second year, candidates transition to focused dissertation research while attending an advanced capstone seminar. The program encourages students to prepare their dissertations in publishable format by graduation.

The Department of Anthropology oversees two distinct PhD programs—one in anthropology and another in human paleobiology. These programs maintain separate admissions processes, so applicants must ensure they apply to their intended program.