Department Info

Why should you get your degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona?

Our 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. Because of the strength of our faculty research, and the excellence of our graduate program, we are one of the top-rated research departments in ecology and evolutionary biology in the U.S.* 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.

Our department is particularly strong in the study of: (view a list of faculty research interests)

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.

Finally, during their tenure in the EEB program, the large majority of doctoral students receive external funding for their support and/or research. Our Ph.D. graduates also have been very successful in securing postdoctoral research positions and faculty appointments.

*We are rated in the 90th percentile by the National Academy of Sciences in "effectiveness of research doctorate program" among 126 eeb departments. According to an Academic Program Review report (an external review of our department, April 2003), our department "has long had one of the best graduate programs in the field."

Ph.D. Program

Graduate Students

The department offers a program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree with the major being Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Minors in other departments are optional. To ensure breadth of experience, doctoral students must complete three research internships during their first year. They also complete a required year long 1 unit course in which they discuss research approaches and present their results. They are also encouraged to do a year long core course in ecology and evolution. Beyond this requirement, students and their faculty committees plan doctoral study programs on an individual basis. Independence and creativity in research are encouraged; doctoral dissertations often include work in several laboratories.

Overview
FIRST SEMESTER:

SECOND SEMESTER:

THIRD SEMESTER:

ANNUALLY, BEGINNING IN SECOND YEAR:

BY END OF FIFTH SEMESTER:

FOR DEGREE:

BY END OF TENTH SEMESTER:

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Master of Science Program

The Master of Science program with a major in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology is available to qualified students who desire only a Master of Science degree in this department. The M.S. program is not ordinarily a way station to the Ph.D. program in this department, and students who seek a Ph.D. are urged to apply to that program. The Master of Science program requires a research-based thesis. To be approved for admission to the program by the Graduate Admissions Committee, an applicant must be accepted by a faculty member who is willing to serve as a Thesis Director and/or Major Advisor. No one will be admitted into the Master of Science program without a Major Advisor.

Overview
FIRST SEMESTER:

SECOND SEMESTER:

FOR DEGREE:

Funding
Master’s students are not normally offered financial support. For the convenience of the department, exceptions may be made, but only on a semester-to-semester basis. Because of space limitations, offices will be provided only for candidates who are teaching assistants.

Accelerated Master of Science Program (AMP)

The Accelerated Master of Science program with a major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is available to high-achieving undergraduate students who desire to simultaneously complete their undergraduate degree(s) and work toward a Master of Science degree in this department. The Accelerated Master of Science program requires a research-based thesis. To be approved for admission to the program by the Graduate Admission's Committee, an applicant must be accepted by a faculty member who is willing to serve as a Thesis Director and/or Major Advisor. No one will be admitted into the Accelerated Master of Science Program without a Major Advisor. For detailed information, please see the AMP Handbook.

Master of Science in General Biology

Middle and high school teachers who desire advanced, specialized training in the biological sciences to enhance their classroom teaching methods may do so through the Master of Science in General Biology degree program (administered through the Biochemistry department).

Graduate College PHD Credit Requirements:

Minimum of 63 units after the Bachelor's Degree, as follows:

At least 36 of the above 54 units must be taken at the University of Arizona. At least 23 of the non-dissertation, graduate level courses (500+) must be taken for a grade (A, B, C). Undergraduate level courses do not enter into the grade point average.

Final course requirements are subject to approval of the student's Doctoral Committee. For a Minor in another department (not required), guidelines are set by that department. Minor may be in EEB.

List of EEB course websites (with links to more info)

Graduate College MS Credit Requirements:

Minimum of 30 units of graduate level courses (500+) after the Bachelor's Degree with a maximum of 8 units of Thesis Credit

At least 15 units of the graduate level courses (500+) must be taken for a grade (A, B, C). Undergraduate level courses do not enter into the grade point average.

Final course requirements are subject to approval of the student's Master’s Committee.

List of EEB course websites (with links to more info)

Accelerated MS Admission's Requirements: