PhD in Biological Sciences in Fairbanks United States | University of Alaska Fairbanks

The PhD program is designed for students pursuing academic careers involving research or university-level teaching. While many applicants hold a Master's degree, it's not mandatory. Our department's PhD alumni have secured positions as university professors across the US and internationally, as researchers with government agencies (such as the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, and National Parks Service), at environmental consulting firms, and with non-profit organizations (including ABR, The Nature Conservancy, and Smithsonian Institution).

PhD candidates collaborate with an advisory committee to create a dissertation that makes a substantial, novel contribution to their chosen field. While no specific coursework is mandated, most students complete tailored classes to support their academic objectives. Dissertations generally consist of three to four journal-ready manuscripts, with the expectation that at least one will be published before graduation. The program typically requires five to seven years to complete.