AMNH Richard Gilder Graduate School: Doctoral Programs and Fellowship Instructions
Official application instructions for the Ph.D. in Comparative Biology and Graduate Student Fellowships at the American Museum of Natural History for Fall 2026.
Applicants for Graduate Fellowships must be students at a collaborating university (Columbia, CUNY, Cornell, NYU, or Stony Brook).; Must identify three AMNH/RGGS faculty members as potential advisors.; Non-native English speakers must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Requirements
Complete 8-part application process.; Submit Statement of Academic Purpose (two essays).; Submit Curriculum Vitae.; Provide three letters of recommendation.; Submit official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions.; Pay $50 application fee (Comparative Biology PhD program only).
Application materials
Statement of Academic Purpose (Essay 1: Past Research Experience, Essay 2: Proposed Research Interests); Curriculum Vitae; Official Transcripts; Three Letters of Recommendation; TOEFL or IELTS scores (if applicable); Co-funding statement (if applicable for specific funds)
How to apply
Select program(s) on the application portal.; Identify and contact three potential AMNH RGGS faculty advisors.; Upload required documents (essays, CV, unofficial transcripts).; Request official transcripts be sent directly to the Richard Gilder Graduate School.; Submit application via the online portal by 11:59pm ET on December 15, 2025.
Important dates
2025-12-15: Application deadline
Documents
Doctoral Programs and Fellowship Instructions Fall 2026 PDF
