22 PhD programmes offered by the university

The Neurobiology programme offered by Cornell University develops advanced research expertise in nervous system function, neural mechanisms, and brain-related biological processes.

Candidates for the Ph.D. degree select two minor concentrations, one of which is within the field. All degree programs require a thesis or dissertation; the specific requirements are determined by each candidate's Special Committee. Graduate students are generally required to assist in teaching as part of their training. The Nutrition program is offered by Cornell University.

The Biochemistry programme offered by Cornell University develops advanced research expertise in biochemical mechanisms, molecular processes, and the chemical foundations of life.

The Chemistry and Chemical Biology programme offered by Cornell University develops advanced research expertise in molecular science, chemical processes, and biological mechanisms.

The graduate field of Computational Biology at Cornell University offers Ph.D. degrees in the development and application of data-analytical and theoretical methods, mathematical modeling and computational simulation techniques to the study of biological systems.

Although emphasis is on horticultural plants and systems commonly found in areas of temperate climate, graduate study on species and cropping systems of tropical areas is also possible by use of our extensive greenhouse and growth chamber facilities, and through conduct of thesis research in tropical areas. The Horticultural Biology program is offered by Cornell University.

The PhD Statistics program at Cornell University is intended to prepare students for a career in research and teaching at the University level or in equivalent positions in industry or government. 

The Behavioral Biology programme offered by Cornell University develops advanced research expertise in animal behaviour, behavioural adaptation, and biological interactions within natural systems.

The graduate program in applied mathematics is based on a solid foundation in pure mathematics, which includes the fundamentals of algebra and analysis. The Applied Mathematics program is offered by Cornell University.

The Astronomy and Space Sciences programme offered by Cornell University develops advanced research expertise in celestial phenomena, cosmic systems, and space-based scientific investigation.

Pharmacology at Cornell University is the science of drugs, their chemical and biochemical properties, and their interactions with live cells, tissues and organisms. In the past 60 years, pharmacology has changed biology and medicine dramatically. 

The Operations Research programme offered by Cornell University develops advanced research expertise in optimization, stochastic modelling, and analytical decision-making for complex systems.

The Genetics programme offered by Cornell University develops advanced research expertise in heredity, genomic systems, and biological variation across cells, organisms, and populations.

The Graduate Field of Microbiology at Cornell is one of the few graduate programs in the country in which there is a strong emphasis on prokaryote biology, the study of the fundamental properties of Bacteria and Archaea. The Microbiology program is offered by Cornell University.

The Evolutionary Biology programme offered by Cornell University develops advanced research expertise in biodiversity, evolutionary processes, and ecological systems.

Excellent facilities for laboratory and field studies include the outstanding Entomology Library and a renowned insect collection on the Cornell University campus. 

Graduate study in Biophysics at the Cornell University is interdisciplinary and highly individualized.

In the Applied Physics Ph.D. program, we want to ensure that first and foremost, the candidates know how to “think like an applied physicist”. The Applied Physics program is offered by Cornell University.

The Molecular and Cell Biology programme offered by Cornell University develops advanced research expertise in cellular mechanisms, molecular processes, and biochemical systems.

Candidates are expected to obtain a broad acquaintance with the basic subjects of present-day mathematics and to be able to do research in one or more branches of mathematics. A reading knowledge of French, German or Russian must be demonstrated. Candidates must obtain some teaching experience. The Mathematics program is offered by Cornell University.