AMNH PhD Program

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The application deadline for enrollment is December 28.

Click to download instructions and forms to apply for admission to the Comparative Biology Ph.D. Program at the Richard Gilder Graduate School of the American Museum of Natural History.

The application for admission, together with supporting materials in sealed envelopes, is to be sent to:

Office of Admissions
The Richard Gilder Graduate School
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West @ 79th Street
New York, NY 10024
admissions-rggs@amnh.org

Applications will not be considered complete and eligible for consideration until all required materials have been received.

Enrollment is for the fall semester only.

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Summary of Application Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science	Or equivalent degree
Official transcripts	From all undergraduate/graduate institutions attended
GRE (general) results	Required, taken within the past five years; applicants holding another graduate degree may petition for a waiver
GRE (specialty) examination	GRE Subject Test (in Biology or other pertinent field) recommended
Three letters of support	Required
Essay	Description of research interests/experience
Interview	Final candidates will be interviewed
Faculty sponsor	Through student contact or assigned by the AMNH
Application fee of $50	Required with application
Proficiency in English	TOEFL scores for non-native English speakers must be 600 or higher

Educational Background

Applicants must have received a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university prior to matriculation in the Museum’s program. Applications will be accepted from students who have completed some graduate work or an advanced degree at another institution. These applicants, however, may be required to complete the core courses of the program regardless of their prior background.

Submission of Application

The application for admission, together with supporting materials in sealed envelopes, is to be sent to: The Office of Admissions at the address above. Please note that all materials become the property of The Richard Gilder Graduate School. Since the applicant is responsible for securing official transcripts and letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes, it is important that the applicant requests supporting documents as early as possible to ensure that all supporting materials are secured well in advance of the application deadline listed above.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a member of the faculty prior to application. Final candidates will be invited to the AMNH for interviews, whenever possible. The interview process represents the AMNH’s commitment to finding students that will most benefit from and contribute to our program. It also enables us to make the very best matches between students and faculty advisors, part of the Richard Gilder Graduate School’s deep commitment to personal advising, mentorship, and guidance of students.