Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Conservation Biology

The Conservation Biology PhD program prepares students for independent research and roles within industry, nongovernmental organizations, and academia or government sectors combining biological sciences with disciplines such as economics, law, urban/rural planning, politics, communication, philosophy and environmental engineering. The Conservation Biology PhD program provides an interface between traditional biological sciences and the areas of economics, law, urban and rural planning, politics, communication, philosophy and environmental engineering. The purpose of this training is to produce scientists capable of doing independent research and the ability to work within the broader area of environmental politics, law and economics to communicate issues of conservation biology to policy makers, the general public and industry. Students will choose one of two specializations: Conservation Biology or Integrative Biology. The Conservation Biology Track is intended to provide the academic background necessary to begin work in industry, nongovernmental organizations or government in a leadership role applying cutting-edge principles to problem solving in conservation biology. The Integrative Biology Track embraces applied and basic research concerning ecological questions to address current concerns in the area of conservation biology. Students taking either track would be prepared to pursue an academic career. The Conservation Biology Track requires 75 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree, including a minimum of 27 hours of formal course work exclusive of independent study. The formal course work includes 15 credit hours of required core courses, 20 credit hours of graduate-level courses from Biology (or other departments) selected in consultation with the adviser and the dissertation committee, and 15 hours of dissertation research. The remaining credit hours may consist of additional electives, doctoral research, and a maximum of 12 credit hours of combined directed research and independent study. All students will take core courses that provide an introduction to the science of conservation biology. The Integrative Biology Track requires 73-74 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree, including a minimum of 27 hours of formal course work exclusive of independent study. The formal course work includes 13-14 credit hours of required core courses, 20 credit hours of graduate-level courses from Biology (or other departments) selected in consultation with the adviser and the dissertation committee, and 15 hours of dissertation research. The remaining credit hours may consist of additional electives, doctoral research, and a maximum of 12 credit hours of combined directed research and independent study. All students will take core courses that provide an introduction to the science of conservation biology.