Graduate study in Ecology and Evolution offers a comprehensive curriculum leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. The training emphasizes original research and prepares students for research, teaching, and curatorial careers in academic, governmental, or industrial settings. Opportunities for student research range from theoretical to applied questions and from microorganisms studied in the laboratory to research at both local and exotic field sites.

Entering students are assigned an interim adviser who helps design an initial course of study. During the first year, each student selects a faculty supervisor and an area of research specialization and begins the development of a thesis project in consultation with an advisory committee. The formal course work, research, and thesis required for the M.S. degree can normally be completed in two to three years. Before the end of their third year, Ph.D. students must pass a preliminary examination by demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of the field and proficiency in the design and execution of experiments. Research for the Ph.D. degree typically requires two to three years beyond the preliminary examination. Dissertations are defended orally before a faculty committee after presentation of a departmental seminar.

For more information:

Visit the main Graduate Studies section of the department's website.

email: gradbios@uic.edu

Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Illinois at Chicago
845 West Taylor M/C 066
Chicago, IL 60607-7060
(312) 996-2931