The PhD program in Organismic & Evolutionary Biology (OEB) at UMass Amherst offers students comprehensive, interdisciplinary training. You will gain expertise in ecology, evolutionary biology, animal behavior, and organismal biology. The program draws on faculty from across the university, including departments like anthropology, environmental conservation, kinesiology, and psychological and brain sciences. Collaboration extends to the Five Colleges (Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith), enriching the academic environment. Faculty, post-docs, and graduate students engage in research that spans from molecular processes to ecosystem-level studies, often connecting fundamental research with practical applications.
TOEFL and IELTS scores must be less than two years old. Official score reports must be submitted directly from the testing agency. UMass Amherst TOEFL code is 3917. Exemption from English proficiency tests may be possible for students who have completed two non-ESL English composition courses and several humanities/social science courses with a grade of B or better at a U.S. college or university. This exemption is not automatic and requires a full review of the applicant's academic history.
Please refer to the University's Tuition and Fees page for detailed information. Information on financial aid and scholarships is also available.
International applicants must submit TOEFL scores with a minimum of 80 (20 in each section), IELTS scores with a minimum of 6.5 (6.0 in each section), or a Duolingo English Test (DET) score of 115. Applicants may be exempt if they have completed secondary education in English or met specific requirements at a U.S. college. TOEFL and IELTS scores must be less than two years old.
The application deadline for the PhD in Organismic & Evolutionary Biology program is December 1.
Required documents include the application form, official academic transcripts, English proficiency test scores (or exemption), letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
Please refer to the University's Tuition and Fees page for detailed information on costs. Information on financial aid and scholarships is also available there.
The program offers interdisciplinary training in ecology, evolutionary biology, animal behavior, and organismal biology, drawing on faculty from various university departments and collaborating institutions.