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Biomedical and Environmental Health Sciences PhD

A plant sprouting from a small globe lying on a bed of moss with a futuristic city in the background

In 国产小呦女鈥檚 PhD Program in Biomedical and Environmental Health Sciences, you鈥檒l develop the cross-disciplinary expertise necessary to help solve some of the world鈥檚 most pressing challenges, from infectious diseases to food security, climate change, clean water, and more.

Addressing these issues requires a deep understanding of science and the ability to develop policies informed by science. Our PhD prepares you to bridge chemistry, environmental science, and biology with a focus on turning science into policies with impact.
国产小呦女听听听听How to Apply

At a Glance

  • Mode of Study
    On campus, integrated coursework, and scientific benchwork
  • Time to Complete / Requirements
    4-5 years or your own pace,听41 credits (includes research)
  • Tuition and Funding
    $2000 per credit. All applicants automatically considered for merit scholarships. Visit Tuition and Funding.
  • Admissions
    Start in fall. GRE can be submitted but is not required.
    Visit Admission and Requirements.

A DC Launch

Scientific innovation and policymaking are front and center in the DC region. Our graduates find fellowships and careers at top research centers, government institutions, tech companies, and NGOs, from the National Science Foundation to the US Congress.

Making a Difference

Our program gives you a strong interdisciplinary science background and the skills to translate that science to policy. We empower our students to become leaders in developing science-based solutions to protect public health and the environment.

Small Classes & Mentors

At AU, you鈥檒l enjoy an average class size of 11 students, a strong cohort of like-minded peers, and opportunities to work closely with experienced faculty mentors who have long track records of successful outcomes for their students.

Curriculum

Students progress through 3 phases of the program for the required 41 credits:

An environmental science class in AU's Hall of Science
  • 4 core courses (12 credits): both of BEHS-701 Molecules to Organisms and听BEHS-702 Organisms to Ecosystems; a research methods course; and one statistical analysis/computation course
  • 听3 elective courses (9 credits): one from听each of 3 areas鈥擝iomedical, Environmental and Health Science, and Policy/Regulatory.
  • 20听research and related听credits: Lab Rotation (3 credits), Research Seminars (5 credits), Directed Research (12 credits)

Visit our Admission and Course Requirements听page for complete curricular听and admission听details, and guidance for international students.
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Spotlight: Professor Victoria Connaughton

Victoria Connaughton, Professor of Biology and BEHS Program Director鈥As a dedicated teacher-scholar with a strong record of mentorship, I am excited to be the inaugural Program Director for the BEHS doctoral program! This interdisciplinary and rigorous program builds on the longstanding collaborative environment among the Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science Departments to train students in cutting-edge scientific techniques and in translating their findings to policy development and societal issues. BEHS will be based in our new, state-of-the-art Hall of Science, which is centered on our campus, in the heart of the nation鈥檚 capital. Our goal is to empower successful graduates so they can leverage their scientific, ethical, and multidisciplinary training to address current pressing issues about the environment and human health.鈥

鈥, Professor of Biology and BEHS Program Director

Featured Faculty Research

See more about faculty research in Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science.

Tree-lined street of DC rowhouses

Professor Mike Alonzo, who uses satellites to examine how trees keep urban neighborhoods cool, is interviewed about DC's hottest summer on record and the importance of tree canopies.

Raychelle Burks, 国产小呦女chemistry professor

鈥淒etective of Chemistry鈥 Professor Raychelle Burks talks about her expertise in forensic science, separation science, colorimetric and luminescent assay development, and more.

Read More

Coral reef

Professor Anny C谩rdenas is a co-author on a study published in Frontiers in Marine Science on changes in the bacterial community composition of coral under heat stress at different salinities.

What You'll Walk Away With

国产小呦女's PhD program in Biomedical and Environmental Health Sciences distinguishes itself as a doctoral program by focusing on the application of scientific results to policies that work to solve some of the world鈥檚 most critical problems.

  • A strong, rigorous background in the scientific method, design, and analysis听

  • Training in responsible conduct of research, mentoring, and teaching听

  • Cross-disciplinary expertise across chemistry, environmental science, and the biological sciences听

  • Proficiency in recognizing the societal impact of scientific findings听

  • Skill in translating your results to policies related to the environment and/or human health听

  • Interdisciplinary research-based skills as well as communication skills听

  • Enhanced critical thinking, comprehensive understanding of complex issues from different perspectives, leadership, and teamwork skills 听

  • DC connections and the reach of 国产小呦女鈥檚 network


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