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Human Evolutionary Biology

This interdisciplinary program, virtually unique from any other program in the world, focuses on the question: What makes us human?

You will join neuroscientists, geneticists, and anthropologists who are engaged in answering that question, whether it relates to human physiology, anatomy, culture, the human brain, or features of our behavior. You will also study the practical implications of those questions, such as how you should exercise or how the microbiome affects your psychology.

You will address issues in human evolutionary biology as the program brings together and integrates scholars and students engaged in many relevant fields of research to answer the question of how evolution made humans the way they are.

You will have the opportunity to engage in the full gamut of human biology research. Examples from the program include students who are studying divination practices in rural parts of China and others who are looking at Neanderthal DNA in the lab.

Graduates have secured faculty positions at institutions such as Duke University, Boston University, and Pennsylvania State University. Others have begun non-academic careers at leading organizations such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, National Center for Science Education, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies

Admissions Requirements

Please review the admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology.

Academic Background

Applicants come from a broad range of undergraduate backgrounds including anthropology, biology, chemistry, engineering, genetics, and psychology. Successful applicants typically have strong backgrounds in math and the sciences, particularly in biology, some familiarity with statistics, and some laboratory or field research experience. Students often find it beneficial to establish direct contact with faculty prior to applying.

Personal Statement

Required

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Optional

Theses and Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Human Evolutionary Biology

Faculty

See list of Human Evolutionary Biology faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Degrees Offered

CONTACT

Questions about the Program?

Joe Henrich
Ruth Moore Professor of Biological Anthropology Professor of Human Evolutionary Biology