The
graduate program in ecology and evolution supports advanced study of
interrelationships among organisms and the environment (ecology) and
the origin and change of organisms over time (evolution). Faculty from
multiple departments sponsor graduate study in various areas of
specialization, including behavioral ecology, community ecology,
conservation biology, ecosystem ecology, evolutionary mechanisms,
marine ecology, microbial ecology, population ecology, population
genetics, restoration ecology, and systematics.
The
program offers a broad range of courses and research opportunities for
highly qualified students who seek careers in academic teaching and
research, state and federal government agencies, nongovernmental
organizations, and the private sector.
Two
levels of study are available. The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 72
credits (30 in coursework, 42 in research), successful completion of a
qualifying examination, and successful defense of a dissertation based
on original research. The M.S. with thesis requires 30 credits and the
defense of a thesis reporting original research. Under some
circumstances, students may also pursue a nonthesis M.S., although
this option is not actively encouraged.
