Biology: Ecology, Ethology, & Evolution, PhD
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biology, Ecology, Ethology and Evolution concentration
The Doctor of Philosophy in Biology, Ecology, Ethology and Evolution concentration is not currently accepting applications. Suspension of admission effective Spring 2025. This program has been replaced by the Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, PhD program.
Students pursuing this major select the Ecology, Ethology, and Evolution concentration.
Graduate Degree Programs in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior
- Biology, MS
- required concentration:
- Biology, PhD
- required concentration:
The Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior administers graduate degree programs as concentrations in biology. Areas of training include the broadly defined disciplines of Animal Behavior, Biomechanics, Comparative Anatomy, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Evolution, Genetics/Genomics and Physiology.
Admission
Acceptance for graduate study in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior is based on the applicant's research potential and academic achievement. An undergraduate degree in the life sciences is the usual preparation, but students majoring in mathematics, computer science, or the physical and social sciences are also considered. Students should have taken courses in at least two of the following six areas: evolution, ecology, genetics, behavior, conservation, physiology/morphology. Students lacking one or more of these courses may be admitted with the provision that such deficiencies be completed in addition to the normal graduate course load. A grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) for the last two years of undergraduate work in a four-year undergraduate degree program or the last three years of a five-year undergraduate program and for any graduate study is required or the candidate will have to petition for an exception. Considerable emphasis is placed on a student's interest and ability in research as demonstrated by previous work and letters of recommendation. Applications are typically only considered for fall admission unless special arrangements are made with the Department. The deadline for application materials is December 15. A minimum paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 613 (257 on the computer-based version, 103-104 on the internet-based version) is preferred for international applicants.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available in the form of fellowships and teaching and research assistantships for qualified students.
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biology, Ecology, Ethology and Evolution concentration
For additional details and requirements refer to the department and the Graduate College Handbook.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One course in statistics or computation is required. | ||
| BIOL 599 | Thesis Research (0 min applied toward degree) | 0 to 16 |
| Total Hours | 64 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| A concentration is required. | |
| Experience in Teaching is required as part of the academic work of all PH.D. candidates in this program | |
| Masters Degree Required for Admission to PhD? | No, but Masters level requirements must be met (additional 32 hours) |
| Qualifying Exam Required: | No |
| Preliminary Exam Required: | Yes |
| Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required: | Yes |
| Dissertation Deposit Required: | Yes |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 |
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biology, Ecology, Ethology and Evolution concentration
Since the subject matter of our Program is interdisciplinary and broad, there is no one set of subject-based learning outcomes that is suitable for the evaluation of our graduate students. Instead, we will focus on appropriate research and professional development skills.
- Design and implement independent research and integrate and apply core knowledge related to their field in 3 core areas out of 6 (behavior, conservation biology, ecology, evolution, genetics/ genomics, physiology/ anatomy)
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills
- Presentations
- Publications
- Grant writing
- Apply rigorous statistics/analytical methods that typify their area of study
- Professional skills
- Data management
- Citation management
- Mentoring
- Ethics
- Professionalism
- Networking
- Teaching experience
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biology, Ecology, Ethology and Evolution concentration
Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior
Head of department: Andrew Suarez
Director of Graduate Studies: Becky Fuller
Director of Admissions Committee: Becky Fuller
Evolution Ecology and Behavior department website
Evolution Ecology and Behavior faculty
department office: 515 Morrill Hall, 505 South Goodwin Avenue Urbana, IL 61801
phone: (217) 333-7801
email: eeb@life.illinois.edu
Graduate College
Overview of Grad College admissions & requirements