Biological Education PhD
- Doctoral
- PhD
- In-Person
- Greeley
4-5 years
Fall and Spring
Program Overview
Join a pioneering doctoral program that uniquely combines rigorous biological research with comprehensive training in STEM education. Established in the early 1990s, UNC’s PhD in Biological Education was among the first in the nation to emphasize excellence in both biology research and college-level teaching. This distinctive approach prepares you for success in today’s competitive academic and research job markets, where expertise in both areas is increasingly valued.
Comprehensive Training
Gain expertise in research methodologies, scientific writing and publishing, course design and pedagogy. Graduate with the well-rounded skill set needed to succeed as an independent scientist, college biology teacher or both.
- Completion of 64 credits including scheduled courses and individualized study
- Original dissertation research in biological sciences or biology education
- Public defense of dissertation
- Publication of dissertation chapters in peer-reviewed journals
- Development and teaching of a full-semester college course under faculty supervision
- Meeting with graduate advisor and committee by second semester to establish program of study
Before the program reviews your application, you must apply to the Graduate School at the University of Northern Colorado. Missing materials may delay evaluation.
To be considered, applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent from a recognized institution).
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) for your most recent or current degree.
- Complete the online application.
Still completing your degree?
- Admission is based on your current GPA.
- You must re-submit your official transcript showing your conferred degree and final GPA during your first semester.
*If you have completed 18 or more credit hours of a master’s degree, your master’s GPA will be used for admission evaluation.
Why Choose UNC?
A Unique Dual Focus
Shape your doctoral journey with a dissertation in either biological sciences or biology education—supported by coursework, hands-on research, and rich teaching experience that build expertise on both sides of the discipline.
Teaching Mastery
Build exceptional teaching skills through a guided progression—from TA roles to leading labs and lectures—ultimately designing and teaching your own college biology course. This hands-on experience sets you apart with colleges and universities seeking faculty who can excel on day one.
Pioneering Program Design
Step into a 30+ year program known for developing standout biology educators and researchers who are ready to lead, innovate, and make an impact in today’s STEM fields.
Career Outcomes
Career Paths Include:
- Tenure-track faculty positions at colleges and universities
- Postdoctoral research positions in specialized fields
- Research positions at medical research institutes
- Scientists and educators at government agencies
- Conservation biologists with nonprofit organizations
- Educational policy researchers at think tanks
- Advanced positions in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
- STEM education program directors
- Science curriculum developers
Exceptional Job Placement
Graduates consistently receive multiple job offers, with many securing positions before graduation. Our alumni hold tenure-track faculty positions, postdoctoral research roles, positions with conservation organizations and government agencies, and leadership roles in educational policy and biotechnology.
What You'll Learn
Core Competencies
- Advanced research methods in your chosen area of biological sciences or biology education
- Experimental design and methodology
- Scientific writing and publishing in peer-reviewed journals
- College biology course design and development
- Evidence-based teaching strategies and pedagogical methods
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Grant writing and research proposal development
- Oral presentation and defense of research findings
- Mentoring and collaborative research
Sample Courses
- Advanced Genetics
- Immunology and Disease
- Conservation Biology
- Species and Speciation
- Cell Physiology
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- College Biology Course Development
- Research Methods in Biology Education
- Foundations of Biological Research
Funding Opportunities
The primary funding mechanism for UNC biology doctoral students. Teaching assistantships provide a stipend and full tuition coverage in exchange for teaching undergraduate laboratory sections in areas related to your program of study. TAs gain progressive teaching responsibilities, developing the skills and experience highly valued by academic employers.
Available through individual faculty members who have secured external grant funding to support research projects. GRAs receive stipend support while working directly on cutting-edge research. Contact faculty members directly to inquire about current GRA opportunities.
Merit-based scholarships are available to qualified doctoral students. Complete the university’s financial aid application to be considered, even if you don’t expect to receive other types of financial aid.
Have questions? We're here to help!
Biological Sciences
Biology is the study of life. Where did the first organisms come from and how has life changed over millennia? How do we function as individuals – what makes us respond differently to temperature or disease? Biology seeks to understand how organisms function in a changing environment.
- biology@unco.edu
- 970-351-2921
- Ross Hall Room 2480