Dec 05, 2025  
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog 
    
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2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Evolution, Ecology and Behavior PhD

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The EEB program focuses on the study of complex interactions in the environment. The mission is to train students with interdisciplinary competencies in research and education and it is designed to incorporate expertise that is distributed across multiple departments into a single graduate program. The program offers a Master of Science (MS) Ecology Track (ECO) and a Sustainability Track (SUS). The EEB PhD degree is suitable for students who wish to build research-oriented careers trajectories, particularly those who may pursue academic careers. The ECO Track applies scientific principles and methods to topics, including the evolution of biodiversity over space and time and the effects of climate change on ecosystems. The SUS Track is a research-focused degree program which facilitates the integration of social and natural science approaches to achieving a more just and sustainable future. The SUS Track is well suited to those investigating the political and ecological dimensions of environmental transformations, the relationship of science and society in advancing more sustainable futures, and novel approaches to community-based problem solving.

Ecology Track Curriculum

Required Core (6 credits)

Ecology Required Courses (9 credits)

Required Formal Courses (16 credits)

Courses to be approved by Major Advisor (all graduate courses in APY, BIO, EVS, GEO, GLY, PSY are automatically approved).

Electives and Dissertation (up to 42 credits)

Elective courses, Research or Dissertation Guidance in consultation with your dissertation advisor

Sustainability Track Curriculum

Required Core (9 credits)

Ecological Dimensions (3 credits)

Choose 1, with option to substitute a course given advisor approval

Social Dimension (6 credits)

Choose 2, with option to substitute a course given advisor approval

Recommended Courses (16 credits)

Credits may be earned through formal a combination of coursework, independent study or other experiential learning as approved by Major Advisor. All graduate courses listed below are automatically approved.

Electives and Dissertation

Elective courses, Research, or Dissertation Guidance in consultation with your dissertation advisor

Total Credit Hours: 72

3.0 Degree GPA required

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1) Student can identify assumptions, hypotheses, and arguments in a wide variety of EEB publications.

2) Student can apply rigorous statistical/analytical methods that typify their area of study, including software training (e.g. Excel, GIS, Matlab, Python, R).

3) Student demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills that are typical for the field. Evidence for these can be:

          • Class assignments and reports

          • In-class presentations

          • Term papers

          • Conference presentations

          • Proposal writing

          • Publications

4) Student is developing professional skills typical for academic researchers. Examples include:

          • Data management

          • Citation management

          • Ethical conduct of research

          • Mentoring

          • Networking

5) Student can design and implement independent research which integrates and applies core knowledge related to their specific field.

6) Student has gained teaching experience.

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

 

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