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Evolutionary Biology Ph.D. (Ithaca)

Field of Study

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Program Description

The Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology offers students rich opportunities to study organic diversity, including its origins, maintenance, and consequences. The program provides broad exposure to concepts and research approaches in ecology and evolution, alongside in-depth study in one or more subdisciplines. Students pursue research questions that address fundamental issues in basic and applied sciences, spanning a wide range of spatial and temporal scales and employing experimental, observational, theoretical, statistical, molecular, and chemical approaches. Some students focus on Discipline-Based Education Research to develop evidence-based knowledge and practices to improve STEM education.

Each student’s course of study is tailored to their individual goals and interests. The program emphasizes broad, integrative thinking and encourages students to be both interdisciplinary and independent. It is particularly well suited to those who can take full advantage of Cornell’s expansive intellectual and technological resources in the life sciences and related fields.

Excellent laboratory and nearby field facilities are available, along with extensive collections and libraries. All students are required to gain teaching experience by serving as teaching assistants for at least two semesters.

Inquiries from prospective graduate students are welcomed and should be addressed to the graduate field office or to any member of the faculty.

Contact Information

Website: https://ecologyandevolution.cornell.edu/graduate
Email: eebgradfield@cornell.edu
Phone: 607 342-0581

Cornell University
Ithaca, NY  14853

Concentrations by Subject

  • ecological genetics
  • paleobiology
  • population biology
  • systematics

Tuition

Visit the Graduate School's Tuition Rates page.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadlines:

Fall, Dec. 1; no spring admission

Requirements Summary:

Academic Statement

Please submit an Academic Statement of Purpose that outlines your reasons for pursuing graduate research and explains your academic interests and professional goals along with your broader background, experiences, and skills that can lead to a successful graduate school experience.  General suggestions are available on the Cornell Graduate Student Admissions website.

We request that you use headings for the following two sections for the Academic Statement of Purpose:

(1) Academic background, preparation, and professional goals (500 word-limit): Describe your academic training, skills, research experience, accomplishments, and professional goals relevant to your future graduate work. You may also provide the context around any perceived gaps or weaknesses in your academic record.

(2) Future research (within 500 words): What research questions would you like to explore as a graduate student? This is in no way binding - it is only intended to give us an indication of where your research interests and approaches are headed. If you have written a proposal for future research (e.g., NSF predoctoral fellowship), those ideas should be included here.

Learning Outcomes

A candidate for a doctoral degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is expected to demonstrate a broad based knowledge in chosen discipline (Ecology, Evolutionary or Organismal Biology, or some combination), mastery of knowledge in the chosen sub-discipline (e.g., Ecosystem Biology, Community & Population Ecology, Evolutionary Genetics, Macroevolution, Systematics, Molecular Evolution, or some combination), and create new knowledge, making an original and substantial contribution to the sub-discipline in a timely fashion.

Proficiencies

Demonstrate broad-based knowledge in the discipline of Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Organismal Biology, or some combination

Make an original and substantive research contribution to sub-discipline

  • Think originally and independently to develop new knowledge, concepts and methods
  • Identify new research questions

Demonstrate advanced research skills

  • Be knowledgeable of historical development and able to articulate, discuss, and synthesize concepts and evidence in sub-discipline
  • Be knowledgeable of organisms and ecological or evolutionary systems pertinent to doctoral research
  • Master observational, experimental and analytical methods
  • Adhere to ethical standards of scientific research
  • Interpret and evaluate research findings
  • Demonstrate ability to communicate research findings, through oral presentation and written publications.
  • Demonstrate ability to write proposals for fellowships and research funding

Demonstrate two or more of the following skills

  • Effective teaching skills in ecology and evolutionary biology
  • Collaborative skills in research, teaching or outreach
  • Involvement in departmental and university organizations
  • Involvement in professional activities and organizations related to academic discipline
  • Involvement in outreach activities with students or the broader public