From Molecules to Ecosystems
The Graduate Program in Biology at Texas A&M University

A Letter of Welcome to Our Incoming Graduate Students From the Faculty of the Department of Biology

Basic biological research has evolved into a broad, fast-paced and dynamic profession that drives newly emerging industries and actively shapes many human endeavors. Both globally and locally, cutting-edge research at Texas A&M University strives to improve the ways people everywhere manage their health and the health of their planet. You can participate in the biological revolution by joining our graduate program at Texas A&M University. We invite you to learn about us and consider graduate study in the Department of Biology at Texas A&M University as your gateway to the future.

Research and training at the forefront of biology
Our Graduate Program in Biology offers a diverse range of integrative training opportunities for students seeking a Ph.D. degree in cutting-edge biological research. Basic biological research continues to lead the way for the other life sciences, and advances in medicine and agriculture are based on key discoveries generated by basic research.

The Biology department offers Ph.D. training with faculty who explore a diverse suite of disciplines in the biological sciences, including cell, molecular, and developmental biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, microbiology, biological clocks, genetics and genomics, neuroscience and behavior, plant biology, and physiology and systems biology. Many faculty research programs span multiple research areas and levels of biological organization, creating a dynamic training environment for graduate students. Evolutionary theory sets the stage for many cross-disciplinary programs and research collaborations among our diverse faculty. All students entering the program receive rigorous academic training and carry out their research in competitive, state-of-the-art research labs.

Student Support through your graduate career
We are committed to supporting our students throughout their graduate careers. Students who are accepted into the Department of Biology receive a stipend of over $24,000/year (2011-2012 academic year) plus tuition. Considering that the cost of living in College Station ranks below the national average, and even below other major Texas cities such as Austin and Dallas, our support is more than sufficient to live free of financial worry. Rest assured that as a graduate student at Texas A&M, you can clear your mind of other stresses and focus on path-breaking research.

Our graduate students conduct creative, independent research and scholarship. Graduates of our programs prepare themselves for a wide range of career opportunities and gain positions in academic institutions, government agencies, and industry. We invite you to read about us and consider graduate study in the Department of Biology at Texas A&M University as your gateway to the future.

Graduate Handbook (pdf)