Comparative Biology Ph.D. Program 

Daniel Kim/© AMNH
What makes the Ph.D. program in Comparative Biology at the Richard Gilder Graduate School unique?

Our Program's Approach

  • A legacy of leadership in field and theoretical sciences
  • A long tradition of interdisciplinary approaches to research
  • A public mission, providing a bridge between science and society
  • Access to one of the world's greatest natural history collections

Flexibility

  • Unique combination of courses and electives
  • Fieldwork opportunities with American Museum of Natural History scientists in locations around the world
  • Special opportunities for teaching experience, ranging from at the university level to the Museum’s exhibition and K-12 education programs
  • Learn conceptual basis, language, tools, and methods; intensive individual investigations
  • Depth in comparative biology, plus onsite collections, lab, and computational resources

Student-Focused

  • 2:1 faculty/student ratio
  • Accelerated 4-year program with an innovative curriculum
  • Exceptional resources: full tuition, stipend, research budget, and health insurance
  • Deep commitment to student advising and mentoring
  • View resources for current students and faculty

Comparative Biology Ph.D. Program Enrollment

Applications will re-open in October 2025.

Curriculum

Students are required to complete a minimum of 62 credits through a combination of:

  • 3 required core courses, to give students a broad overview of the conceptual basis, tools, and methods for studying life
  • Elective or immersive courses, which allow students to achieve a depth of knowledge in an area of interest
  • Museum Seminar Series, which expose first-year students to a broad range of research disciplines and top
    • in lieu of a traditional teaching experience, students also will have the opportunity to complete an equivalent educational project through the Museum's many educational outreach vehicles
  • Directed research culminating in a dissertation, which is defended

Resources for Students and Faculty

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Notice

The information in this website is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a legal contract between the Richard Gilder Graduate School and any person or entity. Upon favorable review of an application, an applicant will receive an invitation to accept admission into the Richard Gilder Graduate School accompanied by student policies and academic regulations.

The Richard Gilder Graduate School reserves the right to supplement, eliminate or change any of its policies, regulations, courses or curricula, or portions thereof, for reasons necessary to proper administration of the graduate school, and without prior notice. Use of this website shall be deemed to have occurred in the State of New York. The terms of this web site and disclaimer shall be interpreted in accordance with New York law.