Doctor of Philosophy in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology

The Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology program is a research-based interdisciplinary graduate program leading to a doctor of philosophy degree. The program consists of faculty from the College of Science, College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources, and the Desert Research Institute.
The program promotes education in theoretical, experimental, and applied aspects of ecology, evolution and conservation biology. The overarching goal of the program is to produce Ph.D. level scientists with the best technical skills and place them in superior positions in academia, government, and the private sector. Students examine the ecology, evolution and conservation biology of organisms and ecosystem processes of the Great Basin, the Sierra Nevada and throughout the world. Student research encompasses a broad range of biological techniques and levels of ecological complexity, including investigations of individual organisms, populations, species, communities and ecosystems.

Students will understand the theoretical and empirical basis of ecology, evolution, conservation biology, and related fields.
Students will obtain knowledge of the application of computer tools, conceptual and analytical models, data analysis techniques, and field and laboratory procedures.
Students will develop an ability to articulate scientific concepts and results in written, graphical, and verbal formats.
Graduates will secure positions in their field upon graduation.

Students who seek admission to the program should have:

a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0,
a TOEFL score of 600 (for international students) and
should have completed the following course requirements:
biology course work (24 units, ideally including genetics, evolution, and ecology), or equivalent evidence of ability to succeed in a doctoral program in ecology, evolution and conservation biology,
physical or other environmental sciences, math, or chemistry course work (18 units).