Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Life Sciences

PhD Program Details

• Why KGI's PhD Program

  Students enrolled in this program will:

  • Learn to draw upon the unique interdisciplinary and applied educational foundation as they continue their studies.
  • Gain competence in the methods of scientific inquiry by conducting and communicating original research for their theses.
  • Become adept in the translation of discoveries in science and engineering into beneficial products and processes through exposure to industry issues and applied problems.
• PhD Program Tracks

  KGI offers two PhD Program Tracks:

  1. Applied PhD track – The student conducts PhD studies on KGI premises under supervision of Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, and School of Health Sciences faculty. To foster interdisciplinary research, the student may have one or more research advisors. One advisor must be a KGI faculty member; additional advisors may be from collaborating institutions.
  2. Industry – Sponsored PhD track – The student is sponsored by a biotechnology or pharma company. This track involves the student conduct studies at the company site while periodically visiting KGI. In addition to the company research advisor, the student must be supervised by a KGI faculty advisor.
• Residential vs. Non-Residential Options

  In response to the evolving research landscape and COVID-19 response, KGI embraces several mechanisms for students to pursue a PhD. Residential students in KGI labs must follow approved methods that include social distancing, cleaning protocols, and some staggered work-shifts. Students working on theoretical and/or computational work, as well as corporate-hosted students, are not expected to attend in-person activities.

• Who Should Apply?

  Students who have completed a master’s degree in the applied sciences at KGI or in a similar master’s program with comparable learning objectives.