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It’s time to go back to school.
And if you’re looking for the best developmental biology graduate programs, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got everything you need to know about applying to grad school and landing a spot in one of these top-notch programs.
Let’s start with the basics: What is developmental biology? It’s the study of how organisms grow from single cells into complex organisms. It includes research into how organs form as well as how they function—and why they sometimes don’t work properly. Developmental biologists might also study diseases like cystic fibrosis or cancer, which occur when normal development goes wrong.
There are two main types of developmental biology degree programs: PhDs and Masters degrees (usually an MS or MSc). Both types offer the chance to explore topics like stem cell research and gene expression, but PhD programs are more intensive than master’s programs and take longer to complete—typically five years versus three years for a master’s degree.
Before you get started on your search for the best developmental biology graduate schools, make sure that you’ve got all your prerequisites in order! You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university as well as excellent grades.
Best Developmental Biology Graduate Programs
This list is a comprehensive collection of the best developmental biology graduate programs in the United States. Read on for a handy guide to each school’s strengths, as well as what you can expect from the surrounding area. Note: This article only includes programs with at least 10 current doctoral students who are active members of the Society for Developmental Biology and have published at least one paper in Development, Developmental Biology, or BMC Developmental Biology in 2019.
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor (U-M) offers a PhD in Developmental Biology. The program is highly interdisciplinary, with faculty from biology, psychology, anthropology, zoology and other areas as well as members from the School of Natural Resources and Environment involved. Graduate students work in laboratories across campus using state-of-the-art equipment to answer questions about how different animal species are able to adapt to their environments.
The typical student profile is a senior undergraduate who has completed all course requirements except for advanced elective courses or thesis research but has already taken 50 credits towards the degree (this includes AP credit). Applicants must have minimum GPA requirement set by your department: 3.3 overall GPA; 3.7 science prerequisites; 3.5 non-science prerequisites (biology); 4 on SAT Math II score; 650 Critical Reading score on SAT Reading test; 750 Writing score on SAT Writing test/1170 Composite Score (writing + math); 27 ACT Composite Score with 28 Science subscore or higher (or equivalent composite + subscores on other tests).
University of California, San Diego
The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) offers an excellent degree in Developmental Biology. The program is one of the best in the country and is consistently recognized as one of the top graduate programs in the field by publications like U.S. News & World Report and National Research Council Rankings. While most students will earn their doctorate at UCSD, some may also be able to do so at other institutions through a series of dual-degree arrangements with universities around the world.
It should come as no surprise that there are some great faculty members at UCSD—the school employs more than 300 full-time researchers who work on all aspects of human development from conception onward! Some notable examples include:
- Alan Guttmacher Institute Fellow Sharon Brackett
- NIH Director’s Pioneer Award Recipient Fiona Clapham
Harvard University
If you’re looking for a friendly learning environment with plenty of opportunities for research and collaboration, Harvard University may be the place for you. The graduate program in developmental biology at Harvard is ranked as the #1 program in the world by QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Harvard was founded on October 28, 1636 by Puritans who were seeking to escape religious persecution in England. It’s one of our nation’s oldest institutions—a fact that is reflected in its imposing campus architecture, rich history and reputation as one of America’s top universities. As an international student at Harvard you’ll be able to take advantage of some amazing opportunities:
- Research! Research! Research!: You’ll have access to some of the world’s most prestigious laboratories where you can work on cutting-edge projects alongside faculty members and postdoctoral fellows who are experts in their fields. What better way could there be to prepare yourself for your future career?
Stanford University
Stanford University has a solid program that covers both the theoretical and practical sides of biology. Students can choose from courses such as Microbiology and Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Biology of Aging (a course designed by Nobel Laureate Elizabeth Blackburn) and more.
Students who are interested in graduate school should definitely consider this program. However keep in mind that Stanford is known for being an extremely competitive university to get into—both in terms of getting accepted into the general undergraduate program as well as getting accepted into graduate programs like this one.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- MIT is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. If you apply to another institution and are accepted, it’s because you’re a talented student with great grades, but if you get into MIT? You’re probably a superstar.
- MIT has top programs in biology and other scientific fields.
- MIT is known for being a great place to do research.
- MIT is known for being a great place to teach.
University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley is a top-tier school with an excellent reputation. It has been named one of the most beautiful campuses in the world, and its academic offerings are among the best in the country. The department offers several graduate programs in biology, including human development and molecular cell biology. Students interested in this field will receive training on how to study developmental processes at all levels from gene regulation to whole organism development. They also get hands-on experience working with lab animals such as zebrafish, fruit flies, and mice.
As for weaknesses? UC Berkeley’s program can be expensive for students who don’t qualify for aid—tuition alone would cost over $40k per year without any financial assistance! In addition to tuition costs (which can add up quickly), there are also many other fees associated with living expenses and general living costs that add up very quickly if you aren’t careful about managing your money wisely while attending school here..
Yale University
Yale University
Program in Developmental Biology
Yale University is a private Ivy League research university in New Haven, Connecticut. Founded in 1701, it is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and one of the nine Colonial Colleges chartered before the American Revolution.
Duke University
Duke University’s graduate program in Developmental Biology is known for its excellent training in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of development, with a strong emphasis on the genetic and biophysical analysis of the processes that shape, pattern, and generate form during development.
Princeton University
Princeton University is located in Princeton, New Jersey. Founded in 1746, it is a highly selective private Ivy League research university well known for its undergraduate and graduate programs. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,402 with an acceptance rate of 9%.
Princeton University has been included on the list of the top 20 universities worldwide by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings for nine consecutive years. As per QS World University Rankings 2018-19, it stands at third position after Harvard and Stanford universities with an overall score of 94.6/100 points. The subjects in which it enjoys world class reputation include Molecular Biology & Biochemistry (2nd), Genetics & Plant Breeding (2nd), Biochemistry & Biophysics (8th), Biology & Biomedical Sciences (9th), Environmental Sciences & Ecology (10th).
Columbia University in the City of New York
Columbia University in the City of New York is located in Upper Manhattan, just west of Central Park. Founded in 1754 as King’s College, it was renamed Columbia University in 1896. It is a private Ivy League research university with 14 schools and colleges offering undergraduate degrees across the arts and sciences. The university also offers professional education at several graduate levels through its schools and institutes (including law).
The Department of Developmental Biology at Columbia has around 100 faculty members who are affiliated with various research centers including: Center for Biomedical Informatics; Center for Reproductive Biology; Institute for Research on Women & Gender; Kavli Institute for Brain Science; Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute; Sackler Institute for Developmental Psychobiology; Sackler Institute for Graduate Biomedical Sciences (SIBS); Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain. There are many opportunities to get involved with research through these centers if you want to pursue them during your time as a graduate student at Columbia—just make sure your advisor/director gives you more info about these opportunities early on so that you don’t miss out!
These programs offer great training in molecular, cellular, systems and organismal approaches to developmental biology.
Many of the programs on this list offer a variety of training in molecular, cellular, systems and organismal approaches to developmental biology. Most importantly, they have great student-to-faculty ratios and well-funded research programs.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for programs that provide hands-on learning experiences and a diverse curriculum, we’ve got you covered. We hope this list helps you find the right school for your needs. If there is any institution on here not included on our list of schools but should be, please let us know in the comments below!
