Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, PhD
Program Overview
Introduction to the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology PhD Program
The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) PhD program at the University of WisconsinMadison is an interdisciplinary field of study that seeks to understand how the diversity of life is shaped by processes that act over spatial and temporal scales. The program draws on faculty from various departments, providing a graduate training experience that emphasizes foundational coursework and a strong community identity.
Program Description
Ecology is the study of how biodiversity is shaped by interacting species and their environment, while evolutionary biology is the study of how biodiversity is generated over time. The EEB doctoral program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of these fields, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct original research.
Research Areas
The faculty in the EEB program employ cutting-edge technology to address a breadth of research questions, including:
- Ecology
- Evolution
- Genetics
- Cellular, Molecular, or Developmental Biology
- Organismal Biology, Systematics, or Biodiversity
- Quantitative Analytical Skills
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the EEB PhD program, applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School, as well as the program's specific requirements. These include:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses in ecology, evolution, genetics, and quantitative analytical skills
- Submission of a statement of purpose, transcripts, and letters of recommendation
Admission Deadlines
The program has the following admission deadlines:
- Fall: December 1
- Spring: The program does not admit in the spring
- Summer: The program does not admit in the summer
Admission Considerations
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact faculty members in the program before submitting an application. Generally, after approval by the admissions committee, applicants are admitted directly into a faculty member's lab. New students are not admitted unless financial support for the student is currently in the hands of a faculty member, or is assured by the time a student begins, or a student brings independent funding and has contacted a faculty member who agrees to advise.
Funding
Financial support is available to qualified graduate students in the form of teaching, research, and project assistantships and fellowships. Research and project assistantships are made possible by grants awarded to individual professors for particular research programs. Prospective students should contact faculty mentors to learn about the availability of these assistantships.
Curriculum Requirements
The EEB PhD program requires a minimum of 51 credits, including:
- Foundations of Ecology and Evolution (2 credits)
- Ecology and Evolutionary Processes (3 credits)
- Graduate Seminar (4 credits)
- Electives (6-12 credits)
- Research (28-34 credits)
Required Courses
The following courses are required:
- ENTOM/BOTANY/GENETICS/ZOOLOGY 820: Foundations of Evolution (2 credits)
- ENTOM/BOTANY/F&W ECOL/ZOOLOGY 821: Foundations of Ecology (2 credits)
- ENTOM/ZOOLOGY 540: Theoretical Ecology (3 credits)
- ENTOM/GENETICS/ZOOLOGY 624: Molecular Ecology (3 credits)
- F&W ECOL/BOTANY/ENVIR ST/ZOOLOGY 516: Conservation Biology (3 credits)
- F&W ECOL/ZOOLOGY 660: Climate Change Ecology (3 credits)
Electives
Coursework to meet the elective requirement will be determined through consultation with the student's advisor and members of their committee and will be based on the student's specific educational needs. Examples of common electives include:
- ENTOM/BOTANY/ZOOLOGY 473: Plant-Insect Interactions (3 credits)
- AN SCI/F&W ECOL/ZOOLOGY 521: Birds of Southern Wisconsin (3 credits)
- ZOOLOGY 611: Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology (3 credits)
- BOTANY/PL PATH 563: Phylogenetic Analysis of Molecular Data (3 credits)
- GENETICS/BIOLOGY 522: Communicating Evolutionary Biology (2-3 credits)
- GENETICS 633: Population Genetics (3 credits)
- ENTOM 450: Basic and Applied Insect Ecology (3 credits)
- F&W ECOL 879: (3 credits)
- ENVIR ST/ZOOLOGY 510: Ecology of Fishes (3 credits)
- ENVIR ST/PHILOS 441: Environmental Ethics (3-4 credits)
- F&W ECOL/SURG SCI 548: Diseases of Wildlife (3 credits)
- F&W ECOL 550: Forest Ecology (3 credits)
- LAND ARC 668: Restoration Ecology (3 credits)
Policies
The EEB PhD program follows the policies of the Graduate School, including those related to:
- Probation
- Advisor/Committee
- Credits Per Term Allowed
- Time Limits
- Grievances and Appeals
Prior Coursework
The program follows the Graduate School's policies on transfer credits for prior coursework, including credits earned at other institutions, as a professional student at UW-Madison, or as a University Special Student at UW-Madison.
Professional Development
The EEB PhD program provides students with opportunities for professional development, including:
- Participation in leadership and outreach activities through the Center for Ecology and the Environment and Wisconsin Evolution
- Access to the Graduate School's professional development resources
Learning Outcomes
The EEB PhD program is designed to help students achieve the following learning outcomes:
- Evaluate major theories and research approaches in ecology and evolutionary biology
- Integrate knowledge of ecological and evolutionary processes to interpret patterns across multiple temporal and spatial scales
- Apply quantitative skills, while using insight and creativity to conduct rigorous original research in one or both fields
- Demonstrate professional skills, ethical responsibility, and effective communication while teaching or conducting outreach in the fields of ecology and evolution