San Diego State University offers three joint doctoral programs in the Department of Biology. Students benefit from having a joint doctoral program rather than a non-joint program because there is an increased opportunity to network with other doctoral students and professors. Additionally, the two biology programs complement each other and provide increased contact and expertise from faculty at both institutions. Being able to connect and network with other scholars in your chosen field can be extremely valuable as you begin to develop your career.
Ph.D in Cell & Molecular Biology
SDSU | UC San Diego Cell & Molecular Biology Joint Doctoral Program
Students enrolled in the joint doctoral program in Biology offered by SDSU and UC San Diego benefit from research training provided by SDSU Faculty in departments such as Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Psychology. Students are expected to take courses such as cell and molecular biology, genetics, ethics, and a choice of electives during their time in the program and must complete at least three laboratory rotations at SDSU.
Ph.D. in Ecology
SDSU | UC Davis Ecology Joint Doctoral Program
Students will be provided with an environment of excellence in ecology research, teaching, and mentoring. The advantages of this joint program are that students benefit from both SDSU and UC Davis advisors and mentors as well as having access to nearly all major biomes of California. Examples of specialized electives include courses such as theoretical ecology, human ecology, and physical-chemical ecology. Students spend their first year at SDSU with their advisor for preparation of a thesis proposal. The student then moves to UC Davis for further course work and preparation for the Qualifying Examination.
Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology
SDSU | UC Riverside Evolutionary Biology Joint Doctoral Program
As the organizing principle of biology, the study of Evolutionary Biology remains on the cutting edge of current biological studies and research. Students will receive training under the guidance and supervision of SDSU faculty who specialize in Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Molecular and Cell Biology as well as participation from UC Riverside Faculty who specialize in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology. Students also take an academic year of residence at the UC Riverside campus, providing them with hands-on experience and expertise from faculty.
Specialized Electives
Some electives that may be offered in these joint doctoral programs are as follows
- Ethics
- Genomics
- Molecular Evolution
- Paleontology
- Population Biology