Professor Mike Alonzo, who uses satellites to examine how trees keep urban neighborhoods cool, is interviewed about DC's hottest summer on record and the importance of tree canopies.
Biomedical and Environmental Health Sciences PhD
In American University’s PhD Program in Biomedical and Environmental Health Sciences, you’ll develop the cross-disciplinary expertise necessary to help solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from infectious diseases to food security, climate change, clean water, and more.
Addressing these issues requires a deep understanding of science and the ability to develop policies informed by science. Our PhD prepares you to bridge chemistry, environmental science, and biology with a focus on turning science into policies with impact.
Request Info How to Apply
At a Glance
- Mode of Study
On campus, integrated coursework, and scientific benchwork - Time to Complete / Requirements
4-5 years or your own pace, 41 credits (includes research) - Tuition and Funding
$2000 per credit. All applicants automatically considered for merit scholarships. Visit Tuition and Funding. - Admissions
Start in fall. GRE can be submitted but is not required.
Visit Admission and Requirements.
A DC Launch
Scientific innovation and policymaking are front and center in the DC region. Our graduates find fellowships and careers at top research centers, government institutions, tech companies, and NGOs, from the National Science Foundation to the US Congress.
Making a Difference
Our program gives you a strong interdisciplinary science background and the skills to translate that science to policy. We empower our students to become leaders in developing science-based solutions to protect public health and the environment.
Small Classes & Mentors
At AU, you’ll enjoy an average class size of 11 students, a strong cohort of like-minded peers, and opportunities to work closely with experienced faculty mentors who have long track records of successful outcomes for their students.
Curriculum
Students progress through 3 phases of the program for the required 41 credits:
- 4 core courses (12 credits): both of BEHS-701 Molecules to Organisms and BEHS-702 Organisms to Ecosystems; a research methods course; and one statistical analysis/computation course
- 3 elective courses (9 credits): one from each of 3 areas—Biomedical, Environmental and Health Science, and Policy/Regulatory.
- 20 research and related credits: Lab Rotation (3 credits), Research Seminars (5 credits), Directed Research (12 credits)
Visit our Admission and Course Requirements page for complete curricular and admission details, and guidance for international students.
Spotlight: Professor Victoria Connaughton
“As a dedicated teacher-scholar with a strong record of mentorship, I am excited to be the inaugural Program Director for the BEHS doctoral program! This interdisciplinary and rigorous program builds on the longstanding collaborative environment among the Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science Departments to train students in cutting-edge scientific techniques and in translating their findings to policy development and societal issues. BEHS will be based in our new, state-of-the-art Hall of Science, which is centered on our campus, in the heart of the nation’s capital. Our goal is to empower successful graduates so they can leverage their scientific, ethical, and multidisciplinary training to address current pressing issues about the environment and human health.”
—Victoria Connaughton, Professor of Biology and BEHS Program Director
Featured Faculty Research
See more about faculty research in Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science.
Professor Alexander Zestos has teamed up with biotech company Spike Neuro with a nearly $1 million National Institutes of Health grant to bring his brain sensors to market.
Professor Anny Cárdenas is a co-author on a study published in Frontiers in Marine Science on changes in the bacterial community composition of coral under heat stress at different salinities.
What You'll Walk Away With
American University's PhD program in Biomedical and Environmental Health Sciences distinguishes itself as a doctoral program by focusing on the application of scientific results to policies that work to solve some of the world’s most critical problems.
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A strong, rigorous background in the scientific method, design, and analysis
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Training in responsible conduct of research, mentoring, and teaching
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Cross-disciplinary expertise across chemistry, environmental science, and the biological sciences
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Proficiency in recognizing the societal impact of scientific findings
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Skill in translating your results to policies related to the environment and/or human health
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Interdisciplinary research-based skills as well as communication skills
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Enhanced critical thinking, comprehensive understanding of complex issues from different perspectives, leadership, and teamwork skills
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DC connections and the reach of American University’s network
Ready to dive in?
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