Ph.D. program overview
The Ph.D. program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan is intended for individuals interested in carrying out distinguished scholarly activities and thus contributing to the body of knowledge in their selected fields of specialization. Those who are awarded degrees will also be expected to have developed competence as teachers and a background in quantitative methods and techniques appropriate to their areas of study. The Ph.D. is generally a five-year program. The department is proud to offer a competitive support package to its doctoral students. The policies and forms link in the graduate section gives detailed information on departmental requirements for the doctorate. More general information can also be found in the Rackham Graduate School Student Handbook. 

Master’s program overview
The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology also offers a graduate program leading to a Master of Science in EEB. This program is flexible and serves a variety of career objectives, such as teaching in secondary schools, employment in a variety of research-oriented jobs, interpretive work in parks and nature centers, and preparation for further professional training. The department offers both a thesis and a non-thesis option. Master’s students are encouraged to seek research experience with one or more of the faculty here while earning their degree.

The master’s program is generally for two years. Master’s students receive academic advising throughout the duration of their program. A master’s student has the option of obtaining either a course-work only degree or a research-based thesis degree. The graduate policies and forms link provides further information about the program and its requirements. More information about obtaining a master’s degree at the University of Michigan can also be found in the Rackham Graduate School Student Handbook. 

Faculty and advising
EEB comprises diverse faculty members in the fields of ecology, evolutionary biology, organismal biology and paleobiology, and includes faculty with joint appointments in the Museum of Zoology, University Herbarium, Museum of Paleontology, School of Natural Resources & Environment, School of Public Health, Center for the Study of Complex Systems, and the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology.

Visit the faculty and student directory to peruse the breadth of departmental research interests.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to identify potential mentors in their application.

Upon entry into the doctorate or master’s program, students meet with their initial advisor(s) to discuss course requirements, research interests and preparatory work as students advance towards degree. Graduate students are encouraged to work closely with their advisor(s) throughout their entire academic career. However, we appreciate that interests evolve and your advisor(s) may change over the duration of your studies.