147 Fleischmann Agriculture
(775) 784-4439
The Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology program is a research-based interdisciplinary graduate program leading to a doctor of philosophy degree. The program consists of faculty from the College of Science, College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources, and the Desert Research Institute.
Students examine the ecology, evolution and conservation biology of organisms of the Great Basin and the Sierra Nevada as well as threatened and endangered lifeforms in various parts of the world. They investigate a broad range of biological techniques, studying individuals, populations, species, communities and ecosystems.
Students who seek admission to the program should have a cumulative gradepoint average of 3.0, a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 1,200 (a TOEFL score of 600 for international students) and should have completed the following course requirements: 24 credits of biology (including genetics, evolution and ecology), six credits of physical sciences (including organic chemistry or biochemistry), six credits of university mathematics including calculus and three credits of statistics or equivalent evidence of ability to succeed in a Ph.D. program.
Candidates for the doctoral degree must satisfy all the general requirements of the Graduate School and complete a minimum of 72 credits, which include the following: 24 credits of research and dissertation, 18 credits of electives, 1 credit of which will be comprehensive examination, 16 credits of lecture courses, 12 credits of core curriculum and two credits of seminar. The comprehensive examination may not be used to fulfill the required 30 credits of 700-level course work.