Ecology, Evolution, and Earth Systems PhD

Major: Ecology, Evolution, and Earth Systems
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 90.0 
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 26.1310
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code:
 11-9121; 19-1031

About the Program

The Ecology, Evolution, and Earth Systems program is multidisciplinary and includes a variety of basic and applied fields including ecology, evolutionary biology, environmental and earth systems science.  Potential coursework in the program covers a broad set of fields.

The program's areas of focus include ecology, biodiversity, conservation, environmental chemistry and assessment, and paleoecology-geology. A student may alternatively craft a specialized plan of study outside of these strength areas under the guidance of an academic advisor.

Additional Information

For more information about this major, visit the Ecology, Evolution and Earth Systems web page.

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 to discuss their research interests.

Degree Requirements  

Core Courses
ENVS 501Chemistry of the Environment3.0
ENVS 506Biostatistics3.0
ENVS 511Evolutionary Ecology3.0
Graduate Research Seminar12.0-18.0
Graduate Research Seminar
Track Electives9.0
Students will choose one of two tracks below. A minimum of 9.0 credits must be taken from the chosen track.
Ecology and Evolution Track
Systematic Biology
Tropical Ecology
Conservation Biology
Wetland Ecology
Biodiversity
Ornithology
Field Ornithology Lab
Ichthyology
Urban Ecology
Entomology
Entomology Lab
Earth Systems Track
Advanced Environmental Chemistry
Atmospheric Chemistry
Environmental Surveying and GIS
Advanced Environmental GIS
Coastal Biogeochemistry
Advanced Topics in Evolution
Environmental GIS
Invertebrate Paleobiology and Paleoecology
Vertebrate Paleontology
Volcanology
Plate Tectonics
Special Topics in Geoscience
Graduate Electives *9.0
Research51.0-180.0
Research
Research
Total Credits90.0-225.0
*

Graduate electives may be any graduate Biology (BIO), Geoscience (GEO), Environmental Policy (ENVP), or Environmental Science (ENVS) course. Course substitutions and electives may be made with courses from other departments; however, courses taken outside the department must receive prior departmental approval to be counted toward the degree.

Sample Plan of Study 

Post-Bachelor's Plan of Study

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ENVS 5013.0ENVS 5113.0ENVS 5063.0ENVS 7979.0
ENVS 7971.5ENVS 7971.5ENVS 7971.5 
ENVS 8641.5ENVS 8641.5ENVS 8641.5 
Track elective3.0Track elective3.0Track elective3.0 
 9 9 9 9
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ENVS 7974.5ENVS 7974.5ENVS 7974.5ENVS 7979.0
ENVS 8641.5ENVS 8641.5ENVS 8641.5 
Graduate elective3.0Graduate elective3.0Graduate elective3.0 
 9 9 9 9
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCredits  
ENVS 7977.5ENVS 797*7.5  
ENVS 8641.5ENVS 864*1.5  
 9 9  
Total Credits 90
*

Students continue enrolling in ENVS 797 and ENVS 864 until they complete their dissertation requirements, typically resulting in a five-year program with more than the minimum number of required credits. 

Post-Master's Plan of Study

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ENVS 5013.0ENVS 5113.0ENVS 5063.0ENVS 7979.0
ENVS 7971.5ENVS 7971.5ENVS 7971.5 
ENVS 8641.5ENVS 8641.5ENVS 8641.5 
Track elective3.0Track elective3.0Track elective3.0 
 9 9 9 9
Second Year
FallCredits   
ENVS 797*7.5   
ENVS 864*1.5   
 9   
Total Credits 45
*

Students continue enrolling in ENVS 797 and ENVS 864 until they complete their dissertation requirements, typically resulting in a five-year program with more than the minimum number of required credits.