The Doctoral Program in Ecology and Evolution
The Graduate Program
The Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolution at Stony Brook University was one of
the first of its kind in the world and its graduates over the last four decades have
become some of the leading and best known biologists in these disciplines.
About 25 faculty members belong to
the program and study topics ranging from molecular evolution to ecosystem organization,
including molecular mechanisms of evolution, the distributions and abundances of species
in communities and ecosystems, and the influence of global change on individual species
to ecosystems. Approaches to this research include fieldwork, laboratory experimentation,
genomic analyses, mathematical and simulation modeling, and statistical analyses.
The program offers both a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution and a
Master of Arts in Biological Sciences
with a Concentration in Applied Ecology. The program currently has approximately 50 graduate
students studying towards these degrees. Our M.A. program in applied ecology is intended to
address the need for professionals in environmental sciences at federal, state, county, and
other levels of government, as well as in environmental departments of large industrial
companies and smaller environmental consulting firms. Conservation and environmental
protection groups also seek qualified individuals. Our doctoral program culminates in a
research degree; students' research draws from a range of applied and theoretical topics in
ecology and evolution. Many go on to become Faculty and Principal Investigators at major
research universities, while others are employed as environmental consultants or work on
policy issues around the country and in Washington, D.C.
Applying to the Ph.D. Program
Before you apply to the doctoral program, you are strongly advised to contact a faculty member.
First, review the research interests and publications of the
program faculty and identify one or two
faculty members whose interests coincide with yours. Then, contact the faculty member with a
detailed description of specific research questions that interest you, your educational and
research background, and any special skills, training or experience you may have. Ask if the
faculty member would be interested in being your temporary advisor. Students apply for,
and are admitted to, the program, not to specific research labs. However, prior contact with
and support of a faculty member would increase your chances of being admitted to the program.
Application Materials and Deadlines
Application forms can be downloaded from the Graduate School website or you can apply on-line at
http://www.grad.sunysb.edu/admissions/app_info.shtml
Application forms can also be obtained by contacting the Ecology and Evolution departmental
office (631-632-8600), by writing to the
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Ecology and Evolution
Stony Brook University
650 Life Sciences Bldg.
Stony Brook, NY 11794-5245
You can also email the
, or use the Information Request Form.
Besides completing the application form, applicants will need to provide (1) official
transcripts of undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate course work, (2) official
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (Stony Brook's code for score reporting is 2548),
(3) three letters of recommendation, (4) and a non-refundable application free of $60.00.
(Please note that applications will not be processed without the $60.00 fee.)
The deadline for receipt of all Ph.D. application materials is January 15th.
Earlier submissions are encouraged, particularly for those wishing to be considered in
the campus-wide competition for fellowships. Funding cannot be guaranteed to successful
applicants whose materials arrive after the deadline. Prospective students are encouraged
to address specific questions to the Director of Graduate Studies at the above address or
to contact faculty members whose work they find interesting.
The Program does not have any absolute requirements for admission. Current graduate
students represent a wide variety of academic backgrounds, nationalities, and research
interests. Admission to the Program is quite competitive, and applicants are advised to
make alternative plans in the event that they do not receive an offer of admission.
What to Expect if You Are Admitted
The first year
Incoming graduate students arrive on campus at least a week before the beginning of the
Fall semester to enroll in classes and attend various orientation sessions. During their
first year, graduate students take three core courses: Principles of Ecology, Principles
of Evolution, and Biometry (see
brief descriptions of these courses).
Each student meets with the Entering Student Advisory Committee during the Fall semester
to discuss the student's research objectives, academic background, and prior research
experience. Based on these factors, the Committee makes recommendations concerning additional
coursework that may be needed to prepare the student for his or her thesis research and
later career as an independent scientist.
During the first semester, a Monday evening "show-and-tell" features presentations by
all the faculty members in the Program. This series of informal get-togethers helps to
acquaint new graduate students with the range of research opportunities within the Program,
and provides a chance to meet faculty members.
Toward the end of the first semester there is a written preliminary exam designed to broadly
assess knowledge in the basic principles in ecology and evolution. The core first year courses,
as well as independent reading, are expected provide preparation for the preliminary exam.
There is no formal lab rotation requirement. Many students, however, begin research projects
during the first year under the direction of faculty members with whom they are interested in working.
Following completion of the formal course requirements of the first year, the primary focus
becomes each student's own research. Most students, however, take additional courses offered
by the Program, and occasionally other courses offered on campus. Courses regularly offered
through the Department of Ecology and Evolution are listed elsewhere.
Second and Later Years
During the second year, students are expected to formalize a relationship with a Program
faculty member who will serve as their permanent advisor. The permanent Advisory Committee
for each student includes at least two additional Program faculty members. Students meet
with their Advisory Committee at regular intervals to discuss their research and their
progress towards fulfilling degree requirements.
Throughout the second and later years, graduate students are required to enroll in one
seminar course each year. Four such courses are offered each year, two each in the general
areas of ecology and evolution (see
course list for additional information).
Departmental Colloquium
Throughout their graduate careers, students are required to attend the Department's weekly
colloquium on Wednesday afternoons. The colloquium features speakers visiting from outside
the University, who present their research results. Many of the luminaries in the fields of
ecology and evolution eventually make their way to our doors. Evening receptions follow most
colloquium presentations, and provide an opportunity for students to meet informally with
visiting scientists. Graduate students may suggest speakers they wish to invite, and often
play an active role in hosting speakers
Teaching
All graduate students are required to complete at least two semesters as a Teaching
Assistant. Typically, this involves helping to run the labs for an undergraduate course.
Teaching Assistantships are one of the most common sources of salary support for graduate
students in the Program.
State University of New York at Stony Brook is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer.
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