195 Best Natural Sciences Doctoral Degree Programs for 2025

The Ph.D. program in the graduate field of Applied Physics (AP) provides students with mastery of a broad knowledge base in applied physics, as well as advanced research focuses that prepare them for successful research-driven careers in academia, government or industry.

The Ph.D. Course aims to prepare well-qualified scientists able to critically manage the implementation of EU and national regulations concerning with environmental analysis and to autonomously develop research activities in the field of environment.

The School of Pharmacy focuses its research activities on key areas of the pharmaceutical sciences and clinical and primary care aspects of pharmacy. Our research spans a wide range of scientific and professional disciplines. It is characterized by being multidisciplinary, internationally-connected and, ultimately, relevant to patients. The School is the No 1 ranked Pharmacy School in the UK for 'Pharmacology and Pharmacy' (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2016).

The Department of Plant Sciences offers graduate studies leading to the M.S. degrees in Cereal Science, Plant Sciences, and Horticulture, and to a Ph.D. degree in Cereal Science or Plant Sciences, with an optional Program of Emphasis in Plant Breeding and Genetics. Specialized academic and research training in Plant Sciences is available in plant breeding and genetics, weed science, biotechnology, and field and forage crop production and management. Areas of specialization in Horticulture and Forestry include breeding and genetics, biotechnology, physiology, propagation, sports and urban turfgrass management, and production and management of horticultural crops such as woody plants, potatoes, vegetables, and herbaceous ornamentals. Areas of specialization in Cereal Science may involve research in the areas of carbohydrates, enzymes, legumes, and other northern-grown crops; barley malting and brewing; wheat milling, baking, and pasta processing. Each study area is designed to provide students with comprehension of the discipline and of relevant regional and global-community social issues. The Department of Plant Sciences is located in Loftsgard Hall, which provides a state-of-the-art facility for interdisciplinary research in plant sciences, ranging from basic studies and biotechnology to the more traditional applied areas. Facilities for cereal science research are located in Harris Hall. These facilities include analytical laboratories for grain quality research, baking, milling, malting and brewing, and pasta and noodle processing. State-of-the-art greenhouses and extensive growth chamber facilities are also available, as are 100 acres of field research land adjacent to the Plant Science Complex. An additional 500 acres of research land are located near the North Dakota State University campus. A horticultural farm only 25 miles west of campus has an extensive arboretum. Excellent supporting disciplines located nearby, or in the Plant Science Complex, include Soil Science, Botany, Food Safety, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology. The Department of Plant Sciences encourages interdisciplinary research, and students frequently tailor their research program to meet their interests by working with faculty in one or more of the supporting disciplines. Graduate student numbers per faculty member are limited, so the student gets adequate personal attention and works closely with their adviser in research. The final selection of the adviser will be made on the basis of the student's interest, availability of space in the researcher's laboratory, and a common desire of the student and professor to work together.

The Physics PhD Program offers interdisciplinary education in applied physics and engineering methodologies. It comprises coursework and thesis development. Courses cover program-specific topics and broader interdisciplinary subjects (totaling 20 credits, usually at Campus Leonardo). The thesis work (160 credits) involves experimental research and training in areas like ultrafast optics, solid-state lasers, photonics for health and culture, epitaxial growth, and properties of low-dimensional systems.

The School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Sciences trains ~250 postgraduate research students undertaking Ph.D., MD, and MPhil degrees in Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Experimental Medicine, Public Health, Medical Education, and Dentistry. Its diverse postgraduate student population comprises both basic and clinical scientists from across the globe engaged in wide-ranging research projects spanning the breadth of the School’s research portfolio from traditional epidemiology to 'big data science and bioinformatics, through molecular and cell biology to clinical trials.

The PhD in Neuroscience focuses on in-depth research of the nervous system and its functions. Students explore the biological bases of behavior, emotions, and neurological diseases, using experimental and theoretical techniques. The program prepares researchers capable of contributing to the understanding and treatment of neurological diseases and advancing knowledge of brain functions.

The Ph.D. in Physics degree program at UT Dallas offers students the opportunity to be involved in forefront research in physics. Our graduates go on to work in industry, academia, and government positions. Our graduate program develops individual creativity and expertise in physics and is strongly focused on research. Students are encouraged to participate in ongoing research activities from the beginning of their graduate studies.

The School of Pharmacy focuses its research activities on key areas of the pharmaceutical sciences and clinical and primary care aspects of pharmacy. Our research spans a wide range of scientific and professional disciplines. It is characterised by being multidisciplinary, internationally connected and, ultimately, relevant to patients.

The Ph.D. in imaging science signifies high achievement in scholarship and independent investigation in the diverse aspects of imaging science. Students contribute their fundamental body of knowledge in science and engineering that is associated with this field of study.

These include overlapping themes in Biochemistry, Food Safety and Nutrition, Microbiology, Parasitology and Plant/Soil Science, with a broad research ethos that encompasses research in molecular biosciences from molecules to ecosystems.

The Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials offers graduate studies leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in polymers and coatings science. The departmental research bridges between basic and applied research in the field of polymers and coatings.

The Ph.D. in Engineering provides maximum flexibility for students to address 21st-century challenges through their studies and research.

Color science research at RIT encompasses such diverse fields as medical data visualization, computer graphics and animation, art conservation, spectral and spatial measurements of materials, color printing, digital photography, motion picture and television, and modeling of our perceptions for use in defining color quality.

This programme focuses on applied aspects of advanced and emerging analytical technologies to address current issues in food safety, nutrition, and food supply.

The School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences trains ~250 postgraduate research students undertaking PhD, MD and MPhil degrees in Cancer Research, Experimental Medicine, Public Health and Medical Education. Its diverse postgraduate student population comprises both basic and clinical scientists from across the globe engaged in wide-ranging research projects spanning the breadth of the School’s research portfolio from bioinformatics through molecular and cell biology to clinical trials.

The Ph.D. in Engineering provides maximum flexibility for students to address 21st-century challenges through their studies and research.

The doctoral program in astrophysical sciences and technology focuses on the underlying physics of phenomena beyond the Earth and on the development of the technologies, instruments, data analysis, and modeling techniques that will enable the next major strides in the field.

The primary focus of the Ecology, Evolution, Behaviour and Environmental Economics research cluster is fundamental and applied aspects of ecology, environmental economics, conservation, aquaculture, animal behavior, molecular taxonomy and molecular genetics, particularly involving links between these aspects. The cluster has a high level of research activity involving academic staff, Postdoctoral scientists, and postgraduate research students. The cluster has a high level of research activity involving academic staff, Postdoctoral scientists, and postgraduate research students.