Ecology Graduate Program

Program overview

Ecologists study how organisms interact with each other and with their environments.

Penn State's Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Ecology:

• Provides students with a sound understanding of ecological theory and hypothesis testing
• Complements other Penn State environmental programs that emphasize the role of humans in ecosystems
• Offers options to take courses and undertake research in a variety of ecological areas, from the molecular to the biosphere level
• Offers both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. M.S. degree requirements are usually completed within two years. The Ph.D. degree requires three or more years of research beyond the M.S. level. B.S,-level applicants with good academic records who have had strong training in ecology and related courses, including research experience, are encouraged to apply directly to the Ph.D. program.

Program faculty

The program involves more than 50 faculty working in a range of disciplines, including:

Study systems include