34 hours (30 if the student matriculates with a MS)

Apply to the UGA Graduate School and include the following: --3 Letters of recommendation. --CV --Statement of Purpose (emphasizing career goals, objectives, and research plans); at the end of the statement include the names of up to 3 potential faculty who share your interests and could serve as your major advisor. A portion of this statement should read like a research proposal (conveying your knowledge of the discipline and your research aims); it should not be a more traditional personal statement. --Unofficial transcript (3.0 minimum gpa). --There are no formal course requirements for admission, but your previous coursework and training should reflect preparation for advanced study in ecology (e.g. coursework in ecology, work experience, research experience, publications, presentations, REU, MS or senior thesis). --An MS is not required for admission. --The GRE is not required and will not be considered. Application deadline is December 1 for the following Fall.

International applicants: --For students whose primary language is not English, proof of English proficiency is required. Students need to submit official university documents according to the UGA Graduate School requirements. --Students will also have to show certificate of finances upon acceptance to the program.

Choose a minimum of 2 course(s) from the following:

Choose 8 credit hour(s) from the following:

Electives chosen with advisory committee.

Choose 1 course(s) from the following:

*For students who plan to hold a teaching assistantship **For students who plan to hold a teaching assistantship that is writing intensive

Select additional courses, as needed, in consultation with an advisor to meet the minimum number of required credit hours for this program.

Many of our graduates have gone on to academic careers as research and teaching faculty at top-ranked universities and liberal arts colleges. Other graduates pursue successful non-academic careers with government agencies, industry, and NGOs (e.g., as program scientists, data analysts, environmental managers).

Qualified students will be nominated by the Graduate Program Committee for Graduate School Presidential and Doctoral Fellows awards. Students also are encouraged to seek outside fellowships and scholarships (e.g., NSF Graduate Research Fellowships).

Students are encouraged to pursue research and training opportunities outside of Athens, when appropriate and in consultation with their committees.

Students are encouraged to pursue internship opportunities when those internships will facilitate their professional development and career aspirations.

Students are encouraged to present their research at conferences, professional meetings, and symposia. The Odum School (and Graduate School) have funds available to defray travel expenses for students who present. Students also are encouraged to write grant proposals to help fund their research and to develop grant-writing skills. Students are expected to publish their research findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Graduate Student Organization (GSO) is the primary group that organizes and represents graduate students in the Odum School of Ecology. EcoReach focuses on outreach to K-12 grades through presentations and activities designed to heighten awareness of ecology and environmental issues. STEMZone is an outreach event that focuses on community science education and occurs during home football games.

Other programs in the Odum School of Ecology, include: --Ecology MS (thesis and non-thesis options; also includes an option for an area of emphasis in Integrative Conservation and Sustainability) --Integrative Conservation PHD - Ecology Note: In 2024, the MS ICAS program was combined with the MS Ecology program and moved to an area of emphasis in Integrative Conservation and Sustainability. There has been no substantive change in the content of that program.