• Prospective Grad Students
  • Why our department?
  • Applying
  • Faculty
  • Funding
  • The Ph.D. Program
  • About our department
  • Resources
• Current Graduate Students
  • EEB Forms
  • EEB Handbook
  • Degree Certification
  • Funding
  • Resources

For Prospective Grad Students: About EEB

About EEB

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, in its teaching and research, addresses complex biological phenomena, integrates analyses across levels of biological organization, encompasses biological processes that extend across vast expanses of space and time, and takes all of biological diversity – millions of species playing indescribably diverse ecological roles – as its province.

Our goal is to lead undergraduates, graduate students, our faculty, and the biological community worldwide on a mission of discovery of the nature and principles of ecological and evolutionary systems.

Our department is particularly strong in the study of:
form and function
genetics, molecular evolution, and genomics
population biology
species interactions
theoretical biology

Our faculty members tend to take an integrative approach, each blending several approaches and disciplines. Indeed, it is fair to say that one of our greatest strengths is not a particular research area, but an attitude fostering interaction and interdisciplinary exploration. This is reflected in our extensive interactions with other units on campus.

The department maintains excellent collections of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. An extensive herbarium is shared with the College of Agriculture. Field work is facilitated by a Marine Biology Station at Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico and by the availability of the Southwestern Research Station, Portal, Arizona, the Research Ranch, Elgin, Arizona, and the Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill, Tucson, Arizona.

The Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology provides training for students and fosters excellence in research and academic careers in the study of biological diversity at all levels. Students and faculty address questions of ecological and evolutionary significance at the molecular, cellular, organismal, population, community, and macro-evolutionary levels of organization. Major emphasis areas include the study of biological diversity and evolutionary history, evolutionary mechanisms, community structure and ecological interactions, physiology, behavior and development. The strong empirical work of the department is accompanied by prominent theoretical work in such fields as non-linear dynamics, community ecology, phylogenetics, and evolution of sexual systems. Principal strengths of the program include an active and well-known faculty, a superb location for field research, an outstanding seminar program that regularly brings exciting outside speakers to the Department, and the extensive interaction between students and faculty. Visiting faculty and active postdoctoral associates enrich the graduate program.

There are numerous programs, projects, and departments affiliated with EEB. A complete list is available.

About The University of Arizona

The University of Arizona was established as a land-grant institution in 1885 and has grown to a campus of about 350 acres. The campus is unusually attractive with the preservation of the original red-brick architecture. The grounds have been landscaped in a southwestern style that reflects the influence of our multicultural population. Tucson has more than 300 sunny days per year, more than any other geographic area in the US.

The scientific environment of the University is rich and varied, with a wide range of biologically-oriented departments on the main campus, in the Arizona Health Sciences Center (College of Medicine), and in the College of Agriculture. The University of Arizona is ranked among the top public institutions in the nation in overall industry- and grant-supported research. The University library has grown rapidly to a prominent position and now ranks highly among academic libraries in the country.

Location

The University of Arizona is located near the center of Tucson, a city of about 750,000 people. Tucson is well served by major airlines and is about one hour's drive from Mexico. The city is at an altitude of 2600 feet, located within a large saguaro "forest," and is literally at the foot of the Santa Catalina and Rincon mountains. The range in elevation found in the nearby mountains provides a variety of field sites and habitat types -- from prime Sonoran Desert through oak woodlands and into mixed conifer forest -- as well as opportunities for year-round recreation. This environment is ideal for a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, climbing, fishing, swimming, and even downhill skiing on the summit of Mt. Lemmon, only 30 miles from the University. The climate in fall, winter, and spring is usually extremely pleasant. Summers are hot, but the dry climate ensures a greater degree of comfort than midday temperatures suggest.

Tucson offers a wide range of cultural activities and has a national reputation for fostering its art community. The University is the home for the nationally famous Center for Creative Photography. Tucson is also host to the Arizona Theater Company, an excellent opera company, and a symphony orchestra. A Downtown Arts District is designated for future development. A wide selection of ethnic restaurants, dance clubs, street fairs, and small theaters provides myriad opportunities for night-time and weekend entertainment. The UA has a wide variety of athletic sporting events. Tucson is very proud of its highly ranked men's basketball, Golf, Track and Field, and women's 7 times national champion Softball team. Tucson's Spanish, Mexican, Native American, and pioneer influences have endured, adding charm and cultural diversity to this unique southwestern city.

Graduate study within the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology represents a unique and challenging experience. Apart from the outstanding research opportunities, it is possible to maintain an active cultural and recreational balance because of the accessibility of the surrounding environments.

Cost of Living

A broad range of locations, prices, and accommodations exists in the Tucson Metropolitan area. Moderately priced off-campus housing is available within easy walking or biking distance of the campus. Living costs are such that most students can support themselves on their stipend.

Student Group

As of Fall 2006, approximately 7,100 of the 37,000 students enrolled at the University of Arizona were graduate students (for the latest statistics, visit the online University of Arizona Visitor Center). The Department has 45 graduate students enrolled for Fall, 2007. Several hail from foreign countries, contributing to the stimulating environment within EEB. Most of the present students anticipate going into research and teaching positions following postdoctoral experience. The Graduate Student Association in EEB gives students representation in Departmental matters. It also provides another avenue for obtaining research and travel funds. A university-wide Graduate and Professional Student Council acts on behalf of all graduate students.

Cost of Study: Tuition and Fees

For up to date information on tuition and fees, visit the Bursar's Office website.