Graduates

Graduate training provides students with unparalleled opportunities for scientific research and career development. Historically, most students have enrolled in the PhD program, but a thesis-based MS program is also available. Graduate students conduct research under the supervision of a faculty advisory committee. The PhD curriculum includes five graduate courses, an advancement examination with written and oral components, and an original dissertation with an oral defense typically completed within five years of enrollment. The MS program requires 28 units of coursework along with a research proposal, original thesis, and oral defense typically completed within two or three years.

The graduate experience in EEB is dynamic and rewarding. Students work closely with faculty and collaborators to develop novel research products. Scientific approaches are very diverse, including field projects, laboratory experiments, mathematical modeling, theory development, computational biology, bioinformatics, and meta-analysis. Graduate students have access to top-tier research facilities such as greenhouses, mass-spec facilities, supercomputers, and the UC Natural Reserve System. The department strives for a graduate community with positive work-life balance that prioritizes mental health and professional development. The graduate culture values diversity and inclusion as guiding principles that enhance the research and training experience for everyone. Many graduate students are also leaders in science policy, science communication, and advocacy for the application of ecology and evolutionary biology to address societal problems.

Grad Program Contact

For questions about the Graduate programs, email Graduate Affairs Coordinator Kyuri Byun at kyurib@uci.edu.

Helpful Information

Graduate Student Handbook

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