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Biological Sciences - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - Ph.D.

The Ph.D. degree in Biological Sciences - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology provides opportunities to study in areas such as animal behavior, entomology, limnology, microbial ecology, ornithology, systems ecology, systematic and evolutionary biology, environmental physiology, vertebrate ecology and population and community ecology. Although courses of study are tailored to students’ interests and needs, the program for all students normally includes training in population, community, ecosystems and evolutionary ecology and statistical theory. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of ecology, students are encouraged to take courses in geology, mathematics, chemistry and other disciplines.

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Ph.D. Degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Push the boundaries of your knowledge with ºÚÁÏÍø’s Ph.D. degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Engage in advanced research and specialized coursework to explore complex ecological interactions and evolutionary mechanisms. Our program prepares you for leading roles in research, academia, and environmental policy, equipping you with the expertise to drive advancements in the field. 

Program Information for Biological Sciences - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - Ph.D.

Program Description

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in Biological Sciences - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology provides opportunities to study in areas such as animal behavior, entomology, limnology, microbial ecology, ornithology, systems ecology, systematic and evolutionary biology, environmental physiology, vertebrate ecology and population and community ecology. Although courses of study are tailored to students’ interests and needs, the program for all students normally includes training in population, community, ecosystems and evolutionary ecology and statistical theory. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of ecology, students are encouraged to take courses in geology, mathematics, chemistry and other disciplines.

Admissions for Biological Sciences - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - Ph.D.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
  • Strong background in biology and related subjects such as chemistry and mathematics1
  • Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s) - copies of official transcripts can be submitted for initial review of application
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae
  • Personal statement that clearly explains why the applicant wishes to pursue an advanced degree, describes research experience and interest; statement must include a list of potential faculty mentors
  • Three letters of recommendation that comment on chance of success in an advanced degree program, with minimum one from someone who can comment on research aptitude
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:2
    • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 65 PTE score
    • Minimum 120 DET score
1

Student deficiencies in these areas at the time of admission shall be rectified during the first year of graduate study.

2

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: November 15
      Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Understand advanced biological concepts beyond the scope of the typical undergraduate degree, and increase the depth of their knowledge through coursework and hands-on experiences.
  2. Apply scientific principles and appreciate work outside of their particular field.
  3. Effectively communicate about science with colleagues as well as those outside of the student's area of expertise.
  4. Develop the necessary laboratory skills that will allow testing of hypotheses.
Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
BSCI 70104BIOLOGICAL STATISTICS 4
BSCI 70184RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT IN RESEARCH AND TEACHING-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 12
BSCI 70191SEMINAR IN BIOLOGY (taken 2-4 times)2-4
Additional Electives14-16
Student Seminar Presentation 2
Majors Electives, choose from the following:6
BSCI 70370
ECOLOGICAL AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS
BSCI 70371
EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
BSCI 70372
COMMUNITIES AND ECOSYSTEMS
BSCI 70373
POPULATION AND COMMUNITY ECOLOGY
Culminating Requirement
BSCI 80199DISSERTATION I 330
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Baccalaureate Students90
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Master's Students60
1

Students are required to take BSCI 70184 their first semester (or the following fall semester for those starting their studies in the spring semester).

2

Students are required to present at least one departmental seminar about their work.

3

Each doctoral candidate, upon admission to candidacy, must register for BSCI 80199 for a total of 30 credit hours. It is expected that a doctoral candidate will continuously register for BSCI 80199, and thereafter BSCI 80299, each semester, until all requirements for the degree have been met. It is expected that candidates will present the results of their research in a defense open to students and faculty, at which the dissertation will be presented and defended before the dissertation committee, with not more than one negative vote, in order to be recommended to the Department of Biological Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences for degree conferral.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Students entering the program with a bachelor's degree must complete a minimum 20 credit hours of graduate courses beyond BSCI 80198 toward their degree.
  • Students entering the program with a master's degree should consult with their guidance committee to determine how many courses are required.

Candidacy for the Degree

After completing the required coursework, students complete the doctoral program by being admitted to candidacy, by proposing a research project to the faculty and by completing and defending that research with a written dissertation before a faculty committee.

Candidacy Exams: Students are admitted to doctoral candidacy following successful completion of both written and oral candidacy examinations. These exams are based on prior coursework and coursework taken in this graduate program as determined by students' academic Guidance Committee, which must consist of at least three eligible faculty members. The advisor(s) and a majority of members of the Guidance Committee must be members of the appropriate graduate program. This committee is responsible for determining the student's academic curriculum and for administering the candidacy exams. Following successful completion of candidacy exams, students register for dissertation - BSCI 80199 for two semesters and, thereafter, for BSCI 80299 continually until complete.

Prospectus: Following completion of the candidacy exam, students must successfully prepare, present and defend a formal prospectus of the research project before their dissertation committee.

Dissertation and Final Defense: Doctoral candidates must complete a dissertation. It is expected that candidates will present the results of their research in a defense open to students and faculty, during which they will present and defend before the dissertation committee, with not more than one negative vote, in order to be recommended to the department and College of Arts and Sciences for degree conferral.

Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
PhD Timeline
  • Semester 1: Form faculty guidance committee
  • End of Semester 1: Create a program of study to define required coursework.
  • End of year 2: Complete all required coursework & take candidacy examination
  • End of year 3: Complete prospectus
  • Final Semester (average 5 years):
    • Complete Dissertation
    • Give Department seminar (45-minute)
    • Pass final oral defense
Competitive Applications

GPA average for accepted students 3.5

  • Minimum GPA 2.75 required; however, applicants must demonstrate an ability to maintain a 3.0 GPA in graduate coursework.  Applicants can demonstrate this by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
    • Earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with 3.0 GPA.
    • Completed 9 or more graduate hours in graded coursework at an accredited institution and earned a 3.0 cumulative GPA or above.
    • Earned a 3.0 cumulative GPA in undergraduate courses related to the academic program to which the applicant has applied.
    • Earned a 3.0 cumulative GPA in the last 60 credit hours of completed undergraduate courses.
    • Solid science background with a focus in the program  area to which the applicant applied
    • Clearly explain in their personal statement why they wish to pursue a MS or PhD in Biology, a description of their research experience and outline their research interests and long-term goals. Students should identify 3-5 faculty who they are interested in working with based on their and the faculty’s research interests. Faculty research interests can be found on the program webpages. 

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Biological Sciences - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - Ph.D.

Graduates of ºÚÁÏÍø's Ph.D. degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology are equipped for leadership roles in research, academia, and environmental management. Read more about potential careers and salaries.

Biological science teachers, postsecondary

9.3%

much faster than the average

64,700

number of jobs

$85,600

potential earnings

Biological scientists, all other

2.2%

slower than the average

44,700

number of jobs

$85,290

potential earnings

Environmental science teachers, postsecondary

3.7%

about as fast as the average

7,600

number of jobs

$84,740

potential earnings

Natural sciences managers

4.8%

about as fast as the average

71,400

number of jobs

$137,940

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' . Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.