American Museum of Natural History, Richard Gilder Graduate School

PhD program: The PhD program in Comparative Biology at the American Museum of Natural History is educating the next generation of biologists through an integrated approach that focuses on the history, evolutionary relationships, and interactions among organisms. Training and research opportunities exist across a wide array of disciplines in comparative biology, incorporating research in systematic and evolutionary biology, comparative genomics, computational biology, paleontology, conservation biology, Earth history, anthropology, and biological and cultural diversity. Global fieldwork with Museum faculty provides exceptional research opportunities for students, and students are able to work with the Museum’s internationally recognized collections and world-renowned scientific faculty. The Museum houses collections of more than 33 million specimens and artifacts, including the Ambrose Monell Collection for Molecular and Microbial Research. Additionally, students have access to an exceptional natural history library of more than 550,000 scientific volumes. The program builds on the Museum’s strength and experience in research and training, educating a new generation of scientists to become leaders in understanding the history and diversity of life on Earth and in disseminating their work in ways that will support advances in biological research, human health, biodiversity conservation, and other related fields. This is an accelerated program, designed for students to complete their degrees in four years. The Richard Gilder Graduate School will typically provide full financial support to students matriculating in the Comparative Biology PhD Program.

MAT program: Drawing on the Museum’s unique resources, this innovative Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is the latest initiative in the Museum’s long history of leadership in teacher education and professional development. Funded in part by the New York State Department of Education and the National Science Foundation, and housed at the Museum’s Richard Gilder Graduate School, this 15-month urban residency program addresses a critical shortage of qualified science teachers in New York State, particularly in high-needs schools with diverse populations, by providing a specialization in Earth Science for teachers of grades 7-12. Working in partnership with schools in New York City and Yonkers, the MAT program is developed and delivered in the context of a natural history museum and integrates academic theory and learning with application in a school setting. The program employs intensive mentoring and extensive use of technology to provide degree candidates, known as Kathryn W. Davis Graduate Teaching Fellows, with a deep understanding of scientific content as well as of the importance of an inquiry-based approach to learning that demonstrates the relevance of science to students’ lives. All coursework, both online and at the Museum, is taught by our world-renowned scientific faculty, doctoral-level scientists, and educators.