Distance Ph.D.
Concentration in Microbial and Cellular Data Science. A doctoral program designed for working scientists
This program allows professionals to earn a Ph.D. while continuing their careers in research, biotechnology or data science.
Students apply advanced computational and biological methods to study microbial and cellular systems, contributing to research without relocating.
This program allows professionals to earn a Ph.D. while continuing their careers in research, biotechnology or data science.
Students apply advanced computational and biological methods to study microbial and cellular systems, contributing to research without relocating.
Built for biology and data science
The program is designed for individuals with backgrounds in biology, microbiology, computer science or related fields.
Coursework and research focus on:
Microbial data analysis | Genomics and bioinformatics | Computational biology | Systems biology
Students learn to work with large biological datasets and apply analytical tools to answer complex scientific questions.
Research without relocation
Students conduct research remotely, often within their current professional environments, while collaborating with faculty mentors.
This structure allows students to:
Continue working in their field | Apply research directly to real-world problems | Advance their careers while earning a doctoral degree
Expanding career opportunities. Graduates positioned for:
Bioinformatics scientist | Computational biologist | Biotech and pharmaceutical research roles | Data-driven research leadership positions
-
Program Requirements
Distance Ph.D. students are required to complete the same academic markers as on-campus Ph.D. students with some alternatives provided to allow for remote coursework and research.
To maintain enrollment and graduate, the following are expected:
- Successful completion of a minimum of 60 credits beyond the M.S. degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Each student will communicate with their faculty mentor/major professor and academic advisor to determine how many credits to register for each semester
- The estimated timeline to completion is 4-6 years for a full-time student, or 7-8 years for a part-time student
- Completion of all Distance PhD - Student Example Plans of Study (adjustments to course requirements can be made at the discretion of the student’s major professor and graduate committee)
- Successful completion of written and oral qualifying exams
- Completion of original research documented by publications in peer-reviewed journals and in a dissertation submitted and approved by the faculty and the graduate school
- Virtual attendance at the weekly departmental seminar synchronously or asynchronously
- Virtual attendance of a journal colloquy each semester to keep students informed of the latest progress in the subject areas of interest to their disciplines
- Assist their mentors in teaching for two semesters
- Ability and willingness to communicate through multiple means on a frequent basis with your Ph.D. mentor or other collaborators
- Students must meet with their committees at least once per year
- Successful completion of a minimum of 60 credits beyond the M.S. degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
-
Faculty Mentors
View our list of faculty at https://microcell.ufl.edu/research/
- Each professor will determine if they have a project available for a distance PhD student. Not all professors will have relevant research projects for this program.
-
Admission Requirements
1) B.S. degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Preferably with an emphasis on microbiology and/or cell biology
2) M.S. degree, of at least 30 credits, in the life sciences
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Preferably with an emphasis on microbiology and/or cell biology
3) Strong preference given to applicants with significant quantitative skills in computational biology, programming, and/or statistics
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Preferably with an emphasis on microbiology and/or cell biology
- Evidence of such training or skills should be included with the application
4) Preference given to candidates with the following pre-requisite courses (or their equivalent in courses from other institutions) or demonstrated work experience:
- Python Programming
- R Programming
- Bioinformatics
- The Microbiome
- Artificial Intelligence
-
Application Materials
1) Application fee of $30
2) Unofficial transcripts from each school you have attended
3) CV or resume
4) Three letters of recommendation (LOR)
- We suggest that candidates request LOR from professional/academic mentors or colleagues that can comment on their academic/research experiences
5) Personal statement: Answer the following three prompts in a word document and upload to the application
- Describe your research experience, career goals, and area of research interest (limit 500 words)
- How have you demonstrated success in a remote work or school environment? (limit 300 words)
- Which research labs in our department interest you most and why? (limit 300 words)
6) International Applicants must submit official evidence of English language proficiency
7) Information Request Page
- Fill out the Distance Ph.D. Information Request Form and attach it to your application
-
How to Apply
Go to : https://www.applyweb.com/uflgrad/index.ftl
Complete each section of the application (notes on how to choose the correct program can be found below)
- Application Information
- Location of Intended Program: Distance Education
- Program of Study
- Select College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Microbiology and Cell Science, Degree Name – Doctor of Philosophy
- choose application term
- Concentration: Microbial and Cellular Data Science
- Program Specialization: leave this blank
- Department Contact Name: leave this blank
- Application Information
-
Cost & Financial Aid
Tuition and Fees
- $484.48 per credit (in-state)
- $635.75 per credit (out-of-state)
Stipends
- Stipends are not available from the department. A PI may choose to provide stipend support for extraordinary candidates
Financial Aid
- Employers often have a benefit that can pay higher education tuition
- The department and PIs will be seeking sources of external support for these admitted students but there are no guarantees, particularly during the early phases of this program
Please contact jlee9@ufl.edu if you have any questions regarding the application process or deadline.
Questions About Our Online Programs?
Connect directly with an MCS online program advisor.
Our advisors have live office hours from noon to 4 PM ET on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Or schedule a meeting. Frequently asked questions.
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, click the button below to drop in for a live advising session: