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Ph.D. program
Ecologists and evolutionary biologists seek to understand the origin and complex interactions of the Earth's biodiversity and ecosystems. Faculty and graduate students within the EEB department include ecologists, evolutionary biologists, organismal biologists and systematists who analyze such topics as behavior, biogeochemistry, population dynamics, community structure, environmental physiology, disease ecology, biogeography, life history evolution, selection, speciation, species interactions, and phylogenetics. Their techniques include comparative and experimental approaches in ecology, ethology, genetics, molecular biology, morphology, paleontology, physiology, biochemistry and cytology. Many members of this group are specialists on particular groups of organisms.
The field of ecology and evolutionary biology is currently undergoing a dynamic phase of intellectual growth, with the emergence of multiple new fields and novel opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The University of Michigan’s Ph.D. program is designed to capitalize upon this vibrant intellectual environment, providing a rigorous, integrative academic experience that encourages the development and exploration of individual research goals.
General program description
Completion of a dissertation research project under the guidance of a major advisor is the primary goal of your EEB doctoral studies. Several milestones mark progress through the anticipated five-year program.
During your first year, you will take several courses and seminars while exploring faculty research interests through reading courses or laboratory rotations. During your second year, in consultation with your research advisor, you will identify a research problem, and lay the groundwork for your dissertation project. You will also complete the qualifying examination, which consists of a faculty evaluation of a review article that you have written, a research seminar presentation, and an oral examination. After passing all portions of the qualifying examination, you will select your dissertation committee members, write your dissertation proposal, and meet with your committee for a candidacy exam during the end of winter term of your second year. If your proposal is accepted, you will be recommended for advancement to candidacy.
As a Ph.D. candidate, you will complete your dissertation research under the guidance of your advisor and committee. In your final year, as your research and writing are completed, you will apply to defend your dissertation. Successful passage of your defense, and submission and acceptance of your dissertation by the Rackham Graduate School are the final steps in completion of the EEB doctoral program.
 Frequently asked questions
What if my interests change after I begin my studies?
The EEB graduate program focuses on developing students as independent scientific researchers, and the program can be flexible. Students are initially matched by mutual consent with an advisor based on shared research interests. However, students can change advisors if their interests shift significantly as they proceed through the program. Students interested in changing advisors should meet with the associate chair of graduate studies to discuss this matter.
Why is teaching required as part of the doctoral program?
The EEB Ph.D. program requires two terms of teaching as part of the curriculum. Through teaching, you will gain experience organizing and presenting scientific material to diverse student audiences. This teaching experience is critical for anyone who chooses a scientific career and especially for those who remain in academic positions at colleges or universities.
Is there a foreign language requirement?
There is no foreign language requirement associated with the EEB Ph.D. program. For general regulations regarding foreign language requirements within the Rackham School of Graduate Studies, see the Graduate Student Handbook.
Are international students required to take English language training?
Incoming international students must successfully complete the English Language Institute (ELI) Graduate Student Instructor workshop, a month-long course offered in July and August. At the end of the workshop, they must take and pass the Oral English Test in order to be allowed to accept a GSI teaching position. If students do not pass, they must take additional courses recommended by ELI and retake the exam at the end of fall term. This continues each term until the student is successful. If an international student is not able to teach during their first term because of failure to pass the OET, they can be funded by the one-term of pre-candidate EEB fellowship or as a GSRA (Graduate Student Research Assistantship) by the advisor.
Can EEB Ph.D. students earn a M.Sc. degree in EEB?
Students must complete four hours of graduate-level cognate coursework (this could be four one-credit seminars, one four-credit course, etc.). The cognate must be offered by a department other than EEB, or cross-listed with an EEB course listing, and be approved for graduate credit. Students should have the course(s) approved by their faculty advisor before registering. The department will accept up to 12 credits of relevant non-EEB department graduate credits that have been earned at the University of Michigan while studying for the doctoral degree (this includes research-related credits other than 990 & 995, and courses such as SNRE 438, CMB 630, etc.). Thus, to earn a M.Sc. in EEB, at least 12 credits must be earned through the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology course offerings.
Please note: if the student already has a relevant master’s degree, then it is not possible to get an “embedded” master’s degree while in the Ph.D. program. Students who are leaving the Ph.D. program and wish to earn a Master of Science degree in EEB must fulfill the requirements of the Traditional Master's program.
How many years does a Ph.D student have to complete their degree?
The general progress of individual students in graduate work is monitored annually by the graduate chair and the Graduate Affairs Committee. A student must complete all doctoral work within seven consecutive years from the date of first enrollment in the Rackham degree program. It should be noted however that funding is only guaranteed by the department for five full years.
Ph.D. program requirements
 Initial advising
New students attend a one-day EEB orientation in late August/early September prior to the start of classes. During orientation, students meet with a counseling committee, which is comprised of the graduate chair and their initial faculty advisor. At this meeting, the counseling committee (1) advises the student on course selection, (2) reviews departmental requirements, (3) selects EEB 700-730 advisors, and (4) discusses with the student various approaches for achieving their goals within the framework of EEB’s Ph.D. requirements. An initial report of this meeting is prepared by the counseling committee and submitted to the graduate coordinator for inclusion in the student's file.
In consultation with their initial advisor, students should also decide on a secondary advisor. Students are required to meet with both advisors (the “Guidance Committee”) at least once during the fall term and regularly during the year to discuss their progress and to keep abreast of any changes in plans. A student may change advisors by petitioning the Graduate Affairs Committee. It is essential that students seek advice from their advisor during all phases of the graduate program.
Course requirements
View Rackham School of Graduate Studies course requirements for Ph.D. Students. According to Rackham, students must accumulate at least 68 fee credits overall and at least 18 must be completed on the Ann Arbor campus. At least 36 fee credits must be accumulated prior to admission to doctoral candidacy. No more than nine credits per term at pre-candidacy level can be counted towards the Rackham fee credits. No undergraduate course (course number 300 level or below) may be used to meet any graduate school requirement. A relevant master’s degree can count for 18 fee credit hours. It is strongly recommended that students take nine credits per term during their first two years so that candidacy can be achieved in the appropriate time frame.
EEB 700 and 730
All incoming Ph.D. students are required to register for EEB 700 (fall) and EEB 730 (winter) during the first academic year of enrollment. The number of credits chosen for these classes is flexible, usually one to three. Typically, EEB 700 is undertaken with a student’s primary advisor, and EEB 730 is taken with either their primary or secondary advisor. Students are required to write one paper for either EEB 700 or 730, to submit this paper to their faculty advisor, and to submit a copy to the graduate program coordinator for placement in their file.
The course can be used either as a directed research or reading course and the options detailed below are provided as a guide in defining a specific course of study. At their first meeting, the student and advisor should decide on the specific format to be followed, possible topics, reading lists, etc., and should set up a general schedule for the term. Students can use this opportunity to explore ideas and research that will be valuable in helping them complete their dissertation research and requirements. The student should arrange regular meetings with one or both advisors during each term.
Use of EEB 700-730 as a research course: Laboratory or field research in which the specific research project is initiated by the student or suggested by the faculty advisor. Research can be undertaken in several different laboratories as a lab rotation. The research can form the basis of future Ph.D. research, or be used to gain experience and knowledge in several areas or approaches that would be valuable in choosing a topic for dissertation research. The required paper could be written as research report, or as a proposal for future research generated from preliminary results.
Use of EEB 700-730 as a reading course: A directed reading course in which the topic is selected as a result of consultation between the student and the faculty advisor. The reading list and required paper could be used as the basis for the second year evaluation paper, a basis for the Ph.D. dissertation, as a research proposal for the first summer's research, or as a way to make-up deficiencies in areas of ecology and evolutionary biology that seem necessary or useful for future research.
The paper required for EEB 700-730 should help prepare the student for summer research and/or the preparation of their evaluation examination paper. It should be substantial (~10+ pages), include literature citations, and be written in a scientific format (see the CBE Editor Style Manual or a major journal such as Ecology or Evolution—NOT Science or Nature). The subject matter and focus are up to the advisor, who must guide the student as to what will be most valuable in promoting their progress within the graduate program. For example, the student could write up background and experimental design for research over the summer that could lead to further thesis research, they could write a potential grant proposal, or they could undertake a review of literature that would provide background for thesis research. The advisor can also add additional requirements such as a minimum or maximum paper length, number of publications cited, specific format, etc.
Other specific course requirements of the EEB Ph.D. program include the following:
EEB 801: Supervised Teaching
Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) teaching for the first time are required to take this course. EEB 801 is not a formal course, but a mechanism for obtaining one or two credit hours for teaching. Credit may be earned only for completing work as a GSI that is above and beyond the regular assignment.
EEB 800: Biology Seminars – VARIOUS TOPICS
These one-credit graduate seminar courses provide an opportunity to discuss current work and new developments in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Ph.D. students are required to take three formal seminars throughout their program. Graduate standing and permission of instructor is required for registration and the course may be repeated for credit.
EEB 990: Dissertation/Pre-candidate
EEB 990 is the class election for dissertation work by doctoral student not yet admitted as Ph.D. candidates. The course is usually undertaken with a student’s advisor, with the individual course of study established between the advisor and student, for a total of one to eight credits. Special permission to register for this class is required and the class may be repeated for credit. Grading is based on 'S' (satisfactory) or 'U' (unsatisfactory) work.
EEB 995: Dissertation/Candidate
EEB 995 is the class election for dissertation work by doctoral students who have advanced to candidacy. The course is undertaken with a student’s advisor for a total of eight credit hours. This number is automatic and students cannot select a different number of credit hours.
Special permission to register for this class is required and the class may be repeated for credit. Grading is based on 'S' (satisfactory) or 'U' (unsatisfactory) work. It should be noted that a student must be enrolled within EEB 995 during the full term during which the final oral examination and dissertation defense is held. If the final oral examination is to take place during the summer, the student must be registered for the spring/summer term.
Cognate courses
The Rackham School of Graduate Studies recognizes the value of intellectual breadth in graduate education, and the importance of formal coursework in fields of inquiry that lie outside the boundaries of the student's field of study. Therefore, EEB Ph.D. students are required to satisfactorily complete (with a grade of C- or better) a minimum of four hours of graduate-level work in a field or fields other than the student's field of specialization before being advanced to candidacy. The elected course(s) should be approved by the student's advisor prior to registration. You may not "visit" the cognate course. You must get either a letter grade or a "satisfactory" grade. Most cognate courses are taught in different departments, but they may be cross-listed in EEB. Courses taught in EEB, but in a very different subfield than your own, might be allowable, but this must be approved by the GAC and Rackham before you take the course if you want it to apply to the cognate requirement.
Graduate coursework taken elsewhere, after you have enrolled at Michigan, may be considered for cognate credit (e.g. a field course in a discipline cognate to your research taught by a different university at their field station). Such cognate credit may not be used to meet the minimum credit hour requirements toward the doctorate. Talk to the graduate coordinator regarding specific circumstances, and get permission from the GAC before you take the course at another university if you want it to apply to the cognate requirement.
 Annual student progress report
Every April, Ph.D. students are asked to complete a Student Activity Report (SAR) and return it to the graduate program coordinator. The SAR requests information regarding student accomplishments over the previous academic year. Questions target major academic landmarks (taking preliminary exam, achieving candidacy), funding for the previous semesters, and updates on research and any student publications. Competitive awards are included, as are service and outreach activities. The SAR helps keep student C.V.s up to date and it gives the department a complete, yearly record of student accomplishments. In addition, this information is used for various reports complied for both the College of Literature Science and the Arts, and the Rackham School of Graduate Studies.
Qualifying examinations
Ph.D. students must demonstrate that they are qualified to proceed in the Ph.D. program by passing the EEB qualifying examinations (aka preliminary examination, evaluations, or prelims) in the fall term of their second year. The rationale of the evaluation process is to help the student develop the skills that are necessary in a scientific career. These skills include building a comprehensive base of background knowledge, the developing and testing of scientific ideas and hypotheses, and communicating research findings in formal oral and written formats as well as in an informal discussion of scientific matters with colleagues. These areas are represented by the three parts of the evaluation -- the review paper, the seminar, and the oral exam.
The evaluation committee consists of three members of the faculty, two of whom are members of the standing EEB evaluation committee. The third member is selected by the student. A student may petition the Graduate Affairs Committee to add a fourth member to the committee. The committee makes recommendations on student status to the faculty, and these are discussed in detail at a faculty meeting in early December. Faculty recommendations are then reviewed by the GAC before final decisions are made regarding passage of the exam.
Evaluation guidelines
This outlines the requirements for students going through the evaluations. It provides information on what is expected in the term before your evaluations and guidelines for all three components: the review paper, seminar and oral exam.
Review paper
Preparing the review paper is intended to develop a student’s skills in analytical thinking, in formulating research questions and ideas, and in preparing manuscripts and research proposals. The paper topic is the student’s choice, but it should address an issue of broad ecological or evolutionary interest and must be original (e.g., a revised master's thesis is not acceptable). An analytical framework which comprehensively reviews and provides a synthesis of a topic and its likely future development is required; papers that are merely catalogues of the literature or factual knowledge are not acceptable. A meta-analysis per se is not required, but the paper must discuss an idea or hypothesis, and examine the support for that idea using an original synthesis of literature, data, or models. The evaluation committee will expect some creativity and original insights in the review paper.
The paper should be prepared in a format appropriate for submission as a manuscript for publication in a review journal, such as the Quarterly Review of Biology or Biological Reviews. The paper should have an abstract of 150-200 words in which the questions, general approach, specific results, and major conclusions are succinctly described. The introduction should describe the general scientific context of the study, the specific questions posed, and the reasons why the questions are significant and interesting (e.g., the context of the study with respect to important scientific unknowns or debates). The maximum length is 25 typed double-spaced pages of text (abstract through conclusions, not including references, tables, and figures).
Before beginning the paper, a student should discuss the suitability of possible topics with his or her advisor and a member of the EEB evaluation committee. The paper topic should be related to the student’s current research interests and potentially to the student’s dissertation research. Papers written earlier, such as master's or honors theses, are not acceptable, although material from such papers may be incorporated into the review paper if approved by the student's evaluation committee. The paper cannot be on the exact same topic as the seminar, but the seminar can address some specific aspect of a broader topic discussed in the paper. Students are encouraged to circulate draft copies of the review paper for comments from other students and faculty, except for faculty on the standing EEB evaluation committee. Writing style, organization, grammar, spelling, and punctuation also will be evaluated. Preparation of the review paper should be initiated during the winter term preceding evaluation (this is one purpose of the 700 and 730 seminar courses). The review paper often forms the basis of the student’s dissertation proposal that is defended for advancement to candidacy.
 Seminar
The seminar is intended to develop a student's skills in organizing concepts and results and preparing visual materials for use in an oral presentation. The seminar also develops skill in speaking in front of an audience of interested and knowledgeable peers. The seminar should deal with a specific research project and should have a narrower focus than the review paper; the seminar cannot be a verbal presentation of the research paper. The seminar is typically based on a student's own research, but if this is not possible, other research results may be presented. Seminars must place the specific project or topic into a broader scientific context in the introduction, and at the end should place the results within the framework of future research. The seminar must present scientific questions or hypotheses, explain the experimental approach used to test those ideas, present the data and their analysis clearly, and finally interpret the data with respect to the questions or hypotheses within the broader scientific context originally put forth.
Seminars are open to the public and consist of a 40-minute presentation followed by a 10-minute question period. It is imperative that the seminar stays within this time limit. The seminar must be given before the oral exam, and the seminar and oral exam cannot be on the same day. The student is responsible for publishing an announcement of the time and place of the seminar in the department newsletter during the week preceding the presentation. Students wishing to receive credit for presenting the seminar may sign up for EEB 800.
Oral examination
The oral examination is intended to develop the student's ability to discuss science in an informal way with interested and knowledgeable peers. Typically, the first part of the exam is based on the student's review paper and seminar, while the remainder of the discussion may range widely into other areas. We expect that a student will demonstrate a general knowledge of biology, a good understanding of contemporary ecology and evolutionary biology, and expert knowledge in the topic area of the review paper.
Oral exams typically last about two to three hours. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange the date and time of the oral exam in consultation with members of his or her evaluation committee
Spring pre-evaluation meeting
At the end of the winter term of the student’s first year there is a spring meeting with the evaluation committee. This meeting is designed to give the student a feel for what the oral exam will be like in the coming fall term, and to highlight any areas of concern that the student or the committee may have in the student’s preparation for the oral exam or the overall evaluation process. There is a list of general readings (attached to the end of this document) in ecology and evolutionary
biology that can serve as starting points for students with deficiencies in particular areas. At this time the student may also discuss topics for the review paper and seminar with the evaluation committee. Starting in April of the winter term the student provides the evaluation committee with a one-page CV and a one-page written description of their background (i.e., courses, experience) and research interests. This background material is given to the evaluation committee at least one day before the meeting; the time and place of the meeting are arranged by the student.
The evaluation process
Each member of the student's evaluation committee independently writes an evaluation of the review paper, seminar, and oral exam, and ranks each as "acceptable," “marginally acceptable,” or "unacceptable." Based upon these evaluations, the evaluation committee formulates a recommendation for each student. The committee can recommend that a student (1) proceed to establish a dissertation committee, (2) undertake remedial action and retake all or a portion of the evaluation at a later date, or (3) be separated from the Ph.D. program. These recommendations are presented to the entire EEB faculty at a meeting in early December, at which time they are discussed along with other aspects of the students' performance since entering the program. The EEB faculty may accept, reject, or amend the recommendations of the EEB evaluation committee. The recommendations of the faculty are then communicated to the students, and to the departmental Graduate Affairs Committee for consideration and action. Students are informed of the final, official outcome of the evaluation process by the GAC. Students may appeal the final decisions, and the appeal process is initiated by writing a letter to the GAC.
For students who retake all or a portion of the evaluation at a later date, general procedures will be similar except that students who fail any portion of the exam for a second time will automatically be recommended to the faculty and to the GAC that they be separated from the program.
 For a retake of a part of the evaluation exam, if a student receives a unanimous pass from the evaluation committee, the GAC will make the final decision and report later to the EEB faculty. If the decision by the evaluation committee is not unanimous or if there are concerns, the recommendation will be presented to the EEB faculty and their recommendation will be reported to the GAC for a final decision.
A student cannot use a departmental fellowship the semester following evaluations if the faculty recommends separation from the Ph.D. program.
Evaluation schedule, dates, deadlines and student responsibilities
(a) March-April (before end of winter term of first year)
- Submit the name of the faculty member chosen to serve as the third member of your evaluation committee.
- Arrange a time for the spring meeting with your evaluation committee, and distribute a one-page C.V. and a one-page description of your background and research interests to your committee members at least one day before the meeting. This meeting must be completed by May 1.
(b) September 1-5 (beginning of fall term of second year)
- Confirm or note changes in the composition of your evaluation committee and the topics for your review paper and seminar (send these to Jane Sullivan).
- Start the process of scheduling your seminar and oral exam. Check with the person organizing the EEB Lunch Seminars and try to schedule your seminar during that time slot.
(c) September 30 (fall term, second year)
- By September 30, schedule your seminar and your oral exam for October and/or November with the evaluation committee (the seminar may be given in September if your evaluation committee agrees).
- Your seminar and oral exam must be completed by Tuesday of the week of November Thanksgiving break.
- The seminar must be given before the oral exam, and the seminar and oral exam cannot be on the same day.
- The oral exam must be scheduled a minimum of five days after the review paper is submitted to your committee. The graduate program coordinator will inform you how to reserve rooms for the seminar and oral exam.
- Publish your seminar notice in the department newsletter at least one week prior to your seminar date, and provide the seminar title and relevant information to the graduate office and John Megahan for promotional flyers.
(d) Mid-October (fall term, second year)
- Submit copies of your review paper to your evaluation committee and to the graduate program coordinator in the department office. The exact deadline date for submission of all the papers will be determined by the evaluation committee. Papers are due by Friday at 5 p.m., the day before fall break begins in mid-October.
- At the same time, give each member of your evaluation committee an evaluation form, which is available in the department office.
(e) Mid-November (fall term, second year)
- All oral exams must be completed by 5 p.m. on the Tuesday before the Thanksgiving break in November.
(f) Mid-December (fall term, second year)
- Students will be notified of the faculty recommendation and the graduate chair decisions on their exams.
 In addition
- The seminar must be given before the oral exam, and the seminar and oral exam cannot be on the same day.
- The oral exam must be scheduled a minimum of five days after the research paper is submitted to your committee. Contact the graduate program coordinator to reserve rooms for the seminar and oral exam.
- Arrange to publish your seminar notice in the department newsletter and EEB Web site at least one week prior to your seminar date, and provide the seminar title and relevant information to the graduate office and John Megahan for promotional flyers.
Suggested evaluation exam question list and readings
This list of questions is meant as an introductory guide to the breadth of understanding we expect of all our students. This is not a list of exam questions that you will encounter during your prelim evaluation. In the oral prelim exam you are expected to participate in scientific discussions about issues, controversies, or unresolved questions in biology. Because you will also be evaluated on your ability to respond to questions outside of areas that you "know very well," the list below cannot be taken as a substitute for learning how to organize your thoughts and think critically in uncertain situations. The list of readings is only a guide to resources that may help you to answer the general questions below (note that this IS NOT a required reading list). It is highly recommended that you ask individual professors for suggested readings in more specific topics of interest.
- Avise, J. C. 2004. Molecular Markers, Natural History and Evolution. Sinauer.
- Begon, M., D.R. Townsend and J.L. Harper. 2005. Ecology: from individuals to ecosystems. Blackwell Scientific.
- Felsenstein, J. 2004. Inferring Phylogenies. Sinauer, Sunderland, MA.
- Futuyma D. J. 2005. Evolutionary Biology, 4th ed. Sinauer.
- Li, W-H. 1997. Molecular Evolution. Sinauer, Sunderland, MA.
- Mayr, E. 1982. The Growth of Biological Thought. Harvard Univ. Press.
- Quinn, G.P. and M.J. Keough. 2002. Experimental Design and Data Analysis for Biologists. Cambridge University Press.
- Raven, P.H., R.F. Evert, S.E. Eichhorn. 2005. Biology of Plants. Freeman, NY.
- Real, L. A. and Brown, J. H. (eds.). 1991. Foundations of Ecology. U. Chicago Press.
- Sherwood, L., H. Klandorf, and P.H. Yancey. 2005. Animal Physiology; from genes to organisms. Thomson/Brooks/Cole Publishers.
- Sokal, R. R. and F. J. Rohlf. 1995. Biometry, 3rd ed. Freeman, NY.
Evaluation exam: general questions that students should be able to answer
1) How does the study of evolution relate to your own study of ecological processes?
2) How does the study of ecology relate to your study of evolution?
3) How do ecology and evolution relate to your study of organismal biology (e.g., physiology, morphology, etc.)?
4) How would you go about finding an answer to a new (to you) scientific question?
5) Compare and contrast the ideas of correlation, causation, and the role of alternative hypotheses in scientific studies.
Evaluation committee policy for retakes
For students who must retake one or two parts of the evaluation procedure, the retakes will be evaluated by the same standing committee and outside member (advisor) who did the first evaluation.
For students who must retake the entire evaluation procedure in the fall term, the evaluation committee should include at least one member from the earlier standing evaluation committee, if possible, in order to provide continuity. The second standing member can be a member from the new standing evaluation committee. The outside member (advisor) is chosen by the student as before.
Candidacy
All students who pass the qualifying examinations are expected to achieve candidacy by the end of the following term (typically, the end of the fourth term). Candidacy is achieved when the student has met all the Rackham and EEB requirements for the Ph.D. degree, except for the dissertation, including taking the minimum fee requirements, four credits of cognate courses, and approval for subsequent dissertation work by the dissertation committee.
 Dissertation committee
Once a student has passed the qualifying examinations, students should, in consultation with their major advisor, select the members of their dissertation committee. (View the Dissertation and Thesis Information for more information.) The committee should be established as soon as possible, but not later than the first term of the student's third year in a doctoral program. The dissertation committee is responsible for (1) certifying that the student has met all requirements of candidacy, (2) providing advice concerning the conduct of the thesis research, (3) monitoring progress in research, (4) providing advice on other aspects of professional development, (5) administering the final oral thesis defense, and (6) certifying that the completed thesis meets the requirements for the Ph.D. degree. The committee must be established prior to advancement to candidacy and have a minimum of four members. These must include a chair (or two co-chairs), two faculty members of the EEB department, and one cognate member from a different research area with at least a 0.5 appointment in another department or unit) that satisfies Rackham’s requirement. Any changes in the constitution of the dissertation committee must be reported to the graduate coordinator so that a form for revising a committee may be submitted to Rackham.
Rackham guidelines governing committee membership are described in the Graduate Student Handbook. A signed list of the committee members who have agreed to serve in this capacity, along with an abstract of the proposed thesis must be submitted to the graduate office on the dissertation committee form (available in the EEB graduate office or from Rackham). To nominate committee members from outside the university, you must attach to the dissertation committee form (a) a Rackham nomination for special membership form, (b) memorandum from the committee chair addressed to the GAC describing the individual's qualifications for committee service, and (c) a copy of the nominee's C.V. If you have a member that does not have an appointment with the University of Michigan, please see the Rackham Dissertation Handbook for more information.
The student should notify the Graduate Affairs Committee of the composition of his/her dissertation committee during winter term of the second year. Before the winter break, the student should hold an initial meeting with the dissertation committee to discuss research plans and the requirements for the proposal. Before the end of the second year, the dissertation committee meets with the student to evaluate the thesis proposal and to determine the student's readiness to proceed. The thesis proposal, often written in the format of a grant proposal, must be submitted to committee members at least one week before the meeting. A copy of the approved proposal must be placed in the student's file in the graduate office. On the basis of the thesis proposal and the meeting, the dissertation committee may recommend (1) advancement to candidacy, (2) revision of the proposal, to be evaluated by the committee in a second meeting, or (3) termination of the student’s status in the department. The recommendation of the dissertation committee is reported to the GAC.
The student must meet with their dissertation committee at least once per year before April 2 to assure satisfactory progress in the program. After each meeting, a progress report signed by committee members and the student will be placed in the student's file and reviewed by the GAC. "Satisfactory progress," based on this report, is one criterion for continued financial support.
Things to consider when selecting dissertation committee members
A good temperamental and intellectual fit between the candidate, dissertation advisor and committee can be critically important to a productive relationship. Before selecting a dissertation advisor and committee, candidates should speak with other experienced students in the program. One graduate school advises candidates to consider the following questions before deciding upon an advisor:
- What is the reputation of the advisor within the field of study?
- How compatible are the advisor's work habits with the student's?
- How long will it take to return written materials with comments? Is the faculty member willing to serve as an editor?
- How accessible is the advisor for discussion? How much time does the advisor spend away from campus?
- How much freedom will be granted in the choice of a dissertation topic?
- How much help will the advisor give in obtaining funding for the students?
- Does the advisor have a reputation for ethical behavior and for being intellectually and psychologically supportive to students?
- How long do students take to complete their degrees with this advisor, and, at least in the case of domestic students, what is the placement record of the advisor's students?
(From Enhancing the Academic Environment for Doctoral Students, University of Michigan Rackham School of Graduate Studies, 1992).
 Advancement to candidacy
A Candidacy Certificate will be issued when it is determined that the student has completed all requirements for the doctorate except for the dissertation. The EEB department and Rackham requirements for candidacy include:
· Satisfactory completion of qualifying examinations.
· Submission of an official undergraduate transcript, with the degree posted.
· Satisfactory completion of any course deficiencies (prerequisites to program).
· Completion of all required graduate coursework (other than 995).
· Teaching at least one of the required two terms.
· Demonstrated proficiency in research.
· Completion of at least four hours of cognate coursework.
· A minimum GPA of 5.0 (“B” average) or above.
· At least 36 Rackham Fee Totals (or 18 RFTs with a relevant master's degree) prior to advancement. *
· Recommendation by the dissertation committee.
* In order to fulfill Rackham requirements for advancement to candidacy, a student with a previous master’s degree must have taken six credit hours of coursework each term for the first four terms and taken four credit hours of cognate coursework (coursework outside of EEB). A student without a previous master’s degree must have taken nine credit hours of coursework each term for the first four terms and taken four credot hours of cognate coursework (coursework outside of EEB).
If all of these requirements have been met, the graduate coordinator will complete the necessary paperwork, get the graduate chair’s approval, and forward the Advancement to Candidacy form to Rackham.
Recommendation for candidacy
This form is required in order for you to advance to candidacy. Bring it to the graduate office for processing. Need information on requirements to advance to candidacy? Read the guidelines.
Annual committee meeting report
Have your annual committee meeting before April 2 each year. Take this form with you, have each committee member sign it, and return it to the graduate office.
Dissertation and defense
Upon completion of research, students write a dissertation in accordance with the requirements of the Rackham School of Graduate Studies. Once the dissertation is read and approved by the dissertation committee members, the student must present an oral defense of the dissertation. It is a policy of the Graduate School that dissertations be published through Rackham. The Dissertation Handbook, available from the Office of Academic Records and Dissertations (OARD) outlines guidelines for preparing and submitting the dissertation for publication.
The last step in the process is the oral thesis defense. You must schedule a pre-defense meeting with Rackham (OARD.questions@umich.edu) at least ten working days prior to your oral defense. The student must arrange an oral defense date acceptable to all dissertation committee members and must advertise it in public postings. Copies of the thesis and a Rackham evaluation form must be presented to the members of the dissertation committee at least two weeks before the oral defense.
The defense consists of a public seminar as well as an oral exam. The doctoral thesis is defended in a public seminar open to all faculty and students in the university. Following the public portion of the defense, the candidate defends his/her thesis before the dissertation committee, plus any other member of the EEB department who wishes to attend, until a time when the defense meeting becomes closed (only committee members), at the chair’s discretion. After the oral defense, the dissertation committee decides upon the acceptability of the dissertation. The committee may accept or reject the dissertation or recommend further work and re-examination.
Students are guaranteed ten terms of funding and are expected to defend their thesis at the end of this time. At the end of their sixth year, students are given notice that their committees will be dissolved if they have not defended by the end of their seventh year. At this time each of the student’s committee members should confirm with the graduate chair the student’s intended term to defend. There are exceptions, but after seven years, a student’s committee will be dissolved. Students whose committees are dissolved can later defend their thesis if their committee agrees to reconvene and support their defense. If a student leaves the program, they must complete a withdrawal form, available from the graduate office, with the advisor’s signature. This is to ensure that there is documentation in the student’s file, should it be necessary.
 Additional information about the dissertation and the oral thesis defense is provided in the Rackham Graduate Student Handbook and the Dissertation Handbook.
Ph.D. student funding
The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology provides an outstanding support package to doctoral students, with five years (10 terms + five summers) of departmental funding guaranteed. Funding includes academic year and summer support amounting to an annual stipend of a minimum of $20,000, a full tuition waiver, and year-round health insurance. Health insurance is provided for all dependents (spouse, children). Components of the funding package include the following:
- 1 term: pre-candidate fellowship
- 1 term: candidate fellowship
- 6 terms maximum: GSI (Graduate Student Instructor)
- 2 terms minimum: GSRA (Graduate Student Research Assistantship) support expected from advisor
- 5 summers of support: department guarantee
Departmental funding
GSI appointments provide the primary means of support for EEB Ph.D. students. GSIs teach small introductory classes, facilitate discussions in small sections connected to large lecture courses and run laboratory sections. The typical GSI has a 50 percent appointment, working between 16.5 and 20 hours per week during the eight-month academic year. During the 2008-2009 academic year, the median half-time GSI salary will be $16,070, approximately $8,035 per term. A full tuition waver is included, and as university employees, health and dental benefits are provide for GSIs and their dependents. EEB Ph.D. students are expected to teach in the fall and winter terms of their first year, and for four additional terms during their five years of supported study. For additional information on GSI appointments please see the Center for Research and Teaching’s Web site.
GSRA appointments provide Ph.D. students with funding support while conducting their own research or assisting others with research relevant to their own academic goals. GSRA appointments are generally provided through an advisor’s externally funded grant or contract. GSRA stipend amounts are consistent with those announced annually for the Office of Academic Human Resources. Tuition waivers generally accompany GSRA appointments, as does health and dental insurance coverage program. Faculty advisors are required to provide each of their Ph.D. students with GSRA appointment funding through one fall, winter, and spring/summer term. For additional information on GSRA appointments, see the Academic Human Resources website. GSRA funding is provided in an amount commensurate with GSI rates.
Department fellowship support includes a one-term fellowship available during the pre-candidacy period, and a one-term fellowship available after candidacy status has been attained. In addition, five summers of department fellowship funding are guaranteed. Department fellowships include a full tuition waver and benefits eligibility. Additional EEB fellowship funding opportunities are described below. Academic year department fellowship funding is provided in an amount commensurate with GSI rates. During the 2008 spring/summer term, department fellowship support was $5,250.
GradCare is the medical insurance plan available exclusively to GSIs, GSRAs, and benefit-eligible fellowship holders. GradCare is administered by Blue Care Network and the provider network in Ann Arbor includes University Health Service, the University of Michigan Health System, and participating community pediatricians. There are no deductibles to meet before the plan begins and outpatient services are covered with a co-pay. In-patient hospital services are covered in full for medically-necessary conditions. Prescription drug coverage is also provided. For more information, visit the UM Benefits Office Web site or Gradcare information.
Supplemental funding is available to EEB Ph.D. students through a variety of departmental sources including block grant programs and awards, and department-administered scholarships. Visit our funding page.
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