The Ph.D. in Biology Program has as its intellectual focus an interdisciplinary synthesis of the biological sciences and related biotechnology. The program draws upon the strengths of faculty in multiple departments and is intended to serve students with interests in conducting research in academia, industry and clinical settings. Graduates of the program at UNC Charlotte should be well versed in quantitative approaches to biology. The interdisciplinary makeup of the program is designed to produce graduates who will be able to integrate the strengths of more than one discipline in solving biological problems.

In addition to a vigorous research concentration, all students are required to complete a series of core courses related to the interdisciplinary nature of the program (see curriculum). These courses will expose students to current issues in the biological, chemical, physical, and engineering sciences and to the ethical implications of biological and biotechnological research. The total amount of course work required for the program will depend on the background of the student, and will be established by the Biology Graduate Committee and the student's Dissertation Committee.

The cornerstone of the doctoral program is the research dissertation. Each dissertation is expected to be a significant scientific contribution based on independent and original research, leading to publications in national/international peer-reviewed journals.

It is expected that the program will provide a teaching assistantship (TA) to students in their first two years and that a student's advisor will obtain research funds for a research assistantship (RA) for subsequent years. Regardless, TA support ($18,000/yr) for eligible PhD student (Teaching and Research Assistantships) will be guaranteed for four years. Awards for additional years will be based upon individual student situations and available funds. Every eligible student also receives a tuition waiver and health insurance.