Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Forest Ecosystems and Society

The Ph.D. degree prepares students to conduct original research in a specific field and includes deepening disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge and skills.

Who Applies to the Ph.D. Program?

The Ph.D. degree is designed for students seeking careers at the highest levels of research in their specific discipline or at the intersection of a diversity of disciplines. A Ph.D. can be a pivotal benefit for those seeking high-level or impactful careers in biophysical or social science, but it requires a serious, long-term commitment of mental, physical, and emotional energy. Students should carefully consider their goals and evaluate whether earning a Ph.D. is the best way to meet these goals. Applicants to the Ph.D. program in Forest Ecosystems and Society are not required to have earned a Master's degree in their intended Ph.D. field.

What is a Typical Ph.D. Program Like?

Newly enrolled Ph.D. students are expected to be familiar with the basic concepts of research, including defining researchable questions or hypotheses, writing a research proposal, collecting and analyzing data, and communicating their results. Ph.D. students are expected to provide the creativity and rigor to identify impactful areas of research, develop researchable questions or hypotheses and research investigations, carry out these investigations, and effectively communicate their results. Ph.D. students are usually expected to publish 3-4 papers in journals as a result of their dissertation and present their results at professional meetings. Ph.D. students typically need 3-5 years to complete their degree.

Ph.D. students are expected to build credibility in their field by publishing their research, contributing to peer-reviewed journals, presenting at conferences, attending workshops and meetings, and seeking collaborations with other members of the field. Depending on their goals and interests, Ph.D. students may also be expected to build teaching experience, engage in professional development opportunities, and provide service to their discipline or the department, college, or university.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of their program (e.g., dissertation, required courses), FES Ph.D. students will be able to:

• Produce and defend an original significant contribution to knowledge (category: Research Skills).
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material (category: Disciplinary Skills and Knowledge).
• Conduct scholarly activities in an ethical manner (category: Ethics and Responsibilities).
• Integrate multiple disciplines and collaborate with colleagues from other disciplines (category: Interdisciplinary Collaborative Problem Solving).
• Communicate effectively in written and verbal formats (category: Communication Skills).
• Utilize critical thinking and awareness skills (category: Critical Thinking and Critical Awareness Skills).
• Integrate aspects of policy, law, or management (category: Policy Analysis and Interpretation).
• Teach or assist in teaching effectively (only if student teaches or is a teaching assistant) (category: Teaching).