PhD in Ecology - Biology Education Research in Ithaca United States | Cornell University

Cornell University | Ithaca United States
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Qualification
Doctor of Philosophy
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD 20,800
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
36 months

This program aims to give students comprehensive exposure to ecological and evolutionary concepts and research methods, mainly through seminars and structured coursework, along with focused study in specific subfields (typically directed by the student's Special Committee). Each student's curriculum is customized to their individual goals. State-of-the-art laboratory facilities and nearby field sites are accessible, alongside extensive collections and library resources. Mandatory teaching experience is gained by serving as a teaching assistant for a minimum of two semesters. Prospective graduate students are encouraged to reach out to the graduate field office or faculty members with questions.

Cornell is at the forefront of Discipline-Based Education Research, an evolving field that investigates teaching and learning within specific academic disciplines like biology. This interdisciplinary approach integrates insights and techniques from social sciences, psychology, education, and cognitive science to improve both student learning and instructional methods. In EEB, ongoing research includes designing assessment tools to examine student thought processes in biology, improving classroom inclusivity through active learning strategies, assessing how different teaching approaches influence long-term STEM retention and career growth, and fostering faculty collaborations to address challenges like easing the transition from high school to college-level STEM courses. These investigations employ classroom assessments, interviews, observational studies, and surveys, analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative approaches.


Destination of Study

Subjects of Study

Language Requirements

English
IELTS 7.0

Qualification Requirements

Students are accepted from a range of undergraduate majors from the natural sciences, physical sciences, mathematics and humanities. Backgrounds of our students are correspondingly varied: some enter the program directly following their undergraduate degree, others with a Masters degree or other post-undergraduate experience in research, consulting, the Peace Corps, Teach for America, etc
TOEFL iBT - 77 (Writing 20, Listening 15, Reading 20, Speaking 22)
IELTS - 7.0 or higher
three recommendations
Note: GRE test scores are no longer required for application to this program
Statement of Purpose
Please submit a combined Academic and Personal Statement of Purpose that outlines your reasons for pursuing graduate research and explains your academic interests and your broader background, experiences, and skills that can lead to a successful graduate school experience. This Statement of Purpose should provide the admissions committee with a sense of you as a whole person, and provide insight into your potential to contribute positively to a diverse and inclusive community.
We request that you use headings for the following four sections for the Statement of Purpose:
(1) Personal background, experience, and motivation (400-word limit): Introduce yourself, what are your personal motivations to come to graduate school, your short and long-term professional goals, and how did you get here? Please describe how your background and experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree.
(2) Academic background and preparation (400 words): Describe your academic training, skills, research experience, and accomplishments relevant to your future graduate work. You may also provide the context around any perceived gaps or weaknesses in your academic record.
(3) Future research (400 words): What research questions would you like to explore as a graduate student? This is in no way binding - it is only intended to give us an indication of where your research interests and approaches are headed. If you have written a proposal for future research (e.g., NSF predoctoral fellowship), those ideas should be included here.
4) Importance of community, diversity, and inclusion (400 words): We strive to build a diverse and inclusive community that strengthens our intellectual and collaborative department. Please provide insight into your potential to contribute to a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and work productively and positively together.

Tuition USD 20,800
Ithaca, NY, United States
Type
Private
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree

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