Ph.D. in Biological Sciences

The Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences was founded in 1994 with an incoming class of four students, and the first doctoral degree was conferred in 1997. Since then the graduate school has grown to almost 90 students and over 100 faculty members. The program provides students with a solid educational foundation and a research environment that encourages independent thought and challenges current dogma.

The program offers coursework to establish a framework for understanding the complexities of scientific problems, research opportunities with investigators who have integrated the latest technologies into their research projects, and professional forums where students can share ideas with colleagues.

Students receive a yearly stipend of $37,000 per year. Students are provided a fully equipped laptop and new textbooks for the duration of their degree. Students receive a benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision care as well as a full tuition waiver.  Students are charged a yearly student fee of $150. First-year students have an opportunity to apply for housing or a housing stipend of $5,000.

The Ph.D. is accredited by the accrediting agency WASC Senior College and University Commission.