Evolutionary Biology Ph.D. (Ithaca)

Field of Study

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Program Description

The program is intended to provide students with broad exposure to concepts and research approaches within ecology and evolution (primarily through seminars and formal course work), as well as in-depth study in one or more subdisciplines (normally guided by the student's Special Committee). The specific course of study is tailored to the needs of the individual student. Excellent laboratory and nearby field facilities are available, as are numerous collections and libraries. All students are required to obtain 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

E235 Corson Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY  14853

Concentrations by Subject

• ecological genetics
• paleobiology
• population biology
• systematics

Tuition

$20,800

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadlines:

Fall, Dec. 1; no spring admission

Requirements Summary:

• all Graduate School Requirements, including the TOEFL Exam or IELTS Academic Exam for non-native English applicants
• three recommendations
• Note: GRE test scores are no longer required for application to this program

  Statement of Purpose
  Please submit a statement of purpose that outlines your reasons for pursuing graduate research and explains your academic interests. General suggestions are available by following this link to the Cornell Graduate School admissions website. In addition, we request that you use headings for the following sections:

  (1) Motivation (250 word limit): Introduce yourself, what are your personal motivations to come to graduate school, your short and long-term professional goals, and how did you get here?
  (2) Academic background & preparation (400 words): Describe your academic training, skills, research experience, and accomplishments relevant to your future graduate work.
  (3) Future research (400 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.
  (4) Resiliency and overcoming challenges (250 words): Graduate school often requires independence, persistence, and resilience in the face of challenges; please share your perspectives or experiences in this regard.
  (5) Importance of community, diversity, and inclusion (250 words): We strive to build a diverse and inclusive community, which strengthens our intellectual and collaborative department. We value hearing your perspectives or experiences in contributing to such efforts at any scale.

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