Biological Sciences, Ph.D.

Florida Tech provides a research-intensive setting where doctoral students develop interdisciplinary expertise and receive focused mentorship from faculty actively engaged in discovery and innovation.

Small classes and research groups support close guidance as students develop and refine their dissertation research, while collaborative projects with faculty and peers broaden perspectives and strengthen scientific approaches.

The Ph.D. in biological sciences is a research-driven degree that prepares students to advance knowledge across areas such as molecular and microbial ecology, organismal biology, climatology and biogeography. Doctoral students design and conduct original studies that contribute new insights to the scientific community.

The program culminates in a dissertation based on substantial, original research, with opportunities to publish findings in national or international journals and present results to peers and experts.

Just minutes from campus at the confluence of Crane Creek and the Indian River Lagoon, the Ralph S. Evinrude Marine Operations Center and Mertens Marine Center provide water access and on-site laboratories for fieldwork, from shallow-water studies to offshore research.

On campus, students use advanced facilities in the F.W. Olin Life Sciences Building, including the Center for High-Resolution Microscopy and Imaging, with light and fluorescence microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and laser-scanning confocal microscopy for high-resolution analysis of natural and artificial materials. The L3Harris Center for Science and Engineering offers aquaculture and marine biology labs for controlled experiments.

Together, these resources give doctoral students hands-on experience and technical skills they will carry into professional research and applied science careers.

Academic units at Florida Tech may offer graduate student assistantships to full-time, degree-seeking graduate students on a competitive basis.

Teaching Assistants (TAs) support faculty in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, including tasks such as grading, tutoring and conducting office hours. First-time TAs attend a teaching assistant seminar to prepare for their responsibilities.

Research Assistants (RAs) collaborate with faculty on projects funded by government agencies, private sponsors and university research funds.

For current information about assistantships, please contact the Department of Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences.

Florida Tech offers a safe and welcoming campus environment that supports advanced research alongside personal well-being. The campus includes extensive green spaces, such as the Joy and Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden, along with facilities like the Holzer Health Center and Clemente Center for health, fitness and stress management.

Located minutes from the Indian River Lagoon and 72 miles of Atlantic beaches, the university combines access to outdoor recreation with proximity to industry and government organizations that contribute to research collaboration and career development.

Graduate students from around the world come together at Florida Tech in a campus community that fosters international collaboration and innovation. This environment encourages students to work across cultures and perspectives, preparing them for research and professional settings around the globe.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) supports international students throughout their academic journey, providing guidance on immigration matters, serving as a liaison with sponsoring agencies and foreign governments, and sharing information about campus and community resources.

The Ph.D. in biological sciences welcomes applicants with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Students entering with a master’s may apply previously completed coursework toward the coursework portion of the required doctoral credits, though additional courses are typically needed to complete the program.

Prospective students are encouraged to review faculty profiles and research areas and may contact potential advisors to discuss research interests prior to applying.

Please see our graduate admission requirements for more information.