Biological Sciences, Ph.D.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of South Carolina equips students with advanced research skills in various biological disciplines. Through expert faculty instruction and collaborative research opportunities, the program prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and industry. Graduates contribute to advancements in biology and secure positions as researchers, professors, and industry leaders with an average salary of $85,630.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Biological Sciences, Ph.D. program at the University of South Carolina is designed to provide students with state-of-the-art expertise in original research and their chosen field of biological sciences. The program prepares students for careers as professional scientists.

Objectives:

• Advance knowledge and discoveries in all aspects of biology, from the cellular and genetic level to the organismal and environmental levels.
• Prepare students for careers in academia, education, government research, or industries related to biology.

Teaching:

• Faculty: Students learn from face-to-face instruction by expert faculty members currently researching in their respective fields.
• Collaborative Program: The program fosters a collaborative environment with engaged faculty and staff members.

Careers:

• Potential Careers:
• Academic Researcher/Teaching Faculty
• Medical Researcher
• Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology Researcher
• Project Manager
• Federal Institute Administrator
• Environmental Scientist
• Job Titles of Alumni:
• Assistant Professor
• Environmental Health Manager
• Research Ecologist
• Research Scientist
• Postdoctoral Researcher
• Vice President of Biometrics
• Average Alumni Salary: $85,630 (five to ten years after graduation without additional education)
• Workplace Settings:
• University Research
• Medical Research
• Biotechnology Research
• Pharmaceutical Research
• Natural Resources
• Marine Biology
• Employers of Alumni:
• University of South Carolina
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Duke University Medical Center
• Envigo
• FDA

Other:

• Research Focus: Students hone valuable research skills in advanced programs with opportunities to teach, present, and publish.
• Supportive Environment: Students can join the Graduate Association of Biological Sciences, which seeks to enrich the student experience with a variety of ongoing activities.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: The program benefits from the engaged faculty and staff members who work endlessly to foster a collaborative program.
• Specializations: Students can specialize in stem cell and developmental biology, neurobiology, cancer biology, biology of cellular stress, plant biology, ecology, evolution, or marine biology.
• Research Findings: Students share their research findings through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and grant proposals.
• Dissertation: Students defend a research-based dissertation.
• Building Skills: The program helps students gain professional and personal intelligence for a successful career, including:
• Data Analysis
• Scientific Writing
• Research
• Analytical Reasoning
• Presentation Skills
• Teamwork