Ecology, Evolution and Earth Systems PhD
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)
Minimum Required Credits: 60.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 26.1310
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-9121
About the Program
The Ecology, Evolution and Earth Systems (EEES) Ph.D. program is a multidisciplinary program focusing on both basic and applied fields including ecology, evolutionary biology, environmental and earth systems science. Ph.D. program coursework falls under two concentrations (Ecology and Evolution and Earth Systems) and faculty expertise in the program covers a broad set of fields including ecology, biodiversity, conservation, environmental chemistry and assessment, and paleoecology-geology. Each student will choose one of these concentrations. A student may also craft a specialized plan of study outside of these strength areas under the guidance of an academic advisor by incorporating coursework from other departments such as Biology, Environmental Engineering, and Environmental Policy.
The EEES program coursework incorporates both classroom, field and laboratory experiences to provide training for students interested in careers ranging from basic to applied research in academic, government, and NGO settings. Specific jobs obtained by EEES Ph.D. trainees include university professors, museum curators, research scientists, environmental consultants, etc. In addition to the standard university resources, EEES Ph.D. students have access to the world-renowned Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University research collections and laboratories for their coursework, training, and research. The Academy of Natural Sciences also sponsors one Ph.D. student each year through the endowed McLean fellowship and Ph.D. students also have numerous opportunities to disseminate their research to public audiences through public programs at the museum.
Additional Information
For more information, please contact the College of Arts and Sciences
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the doctoral program are judged on the basis of academic excellence and the alignment of their research interests with those of the faculty in the department. Prospective PhD students are welcome to contact the program and faculty members to discuss their research interests.
Degree Requirements
| Core Courses | ||
| ESS 5001 | Chemistry of the Environment | 3.0 |
| or ESS 5011 | Evolutionary Ecology | |
| ESS 5006 | Biostatistics | 3.0 |
| Electives | ||
| Select six (6) credits from any 5000-6000 level courses in BIO (Bioscience & Biotechnology), ESS (Environmental Science & Sustainability) or ENVP (Environmental Policy) | 6.0 | |
| Concentration | ||
| Select one concentration from the options below | 6.0 | |
| Research and Seminar | ||
| ESS 8064 is taken every Fall and Spring term and students complete a total of forty-two (42) to seventy-two (72) credits from the following: | 42.0-72.0 | |
| Graduate Research Seminar | ||
| Research | ||
| PhD Dissertation | ||
| Total Credits | 60.0-90.0 | |
Ecology and Evolution Concentration
| Electives | ||
| Select a minimum of 6 credits | 6.0 | |
| Bioinformatics | ||
| Genomics | ||
| Systematic Biology | ||
| Plant Animal Interaction | ||
| Tropical Ecology | ||
| Tropical Field Studies | ||
| Molecular Ecology | ||
| Molecular Ecology Lab | ||
| Biodiversity and Conservation Biology | ||
| Aquatic Ecology | ||
| Wetland Ecology | ||
| Ornithology | ||
| Field Ornithology Lab | ||
| Ichthyology | ||
| Biogeography | ||
| Urban Ecology | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Field Botany | ||
| Marine Field Methods | ||
| Entomology | ||
| Field Entomology Lab | ||
| Population Genetics | ||
| Advanced Topics in Evolution | ||
| Total Credits | 6.0 | |
Earth Systems Concentration
| Electives | ||
| Select a minimum of 6 credits | 6.0 | |
| Sedimentology and Stratigraphy | ||
| Invertebrate Paleobiology and Paleoecology | ||
| Vertebrate Paleontology | ||
| Volcanology | ||
| Environmental Assessment and Remediation | ||
| Restoration Ecology | ||
| Remote Sensing | ||
| Plate Tectonics | ||
| Atmospheric Chemistry | ||
| Environmental Surveying and GIS | ||
| Coastal Biogeochemistry | ||
| Total Credits | 6.0 | |