Ithaca,
NY,
United States
Type
Private
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
PhD in Ecology - Organismal Biology in Ithaca United States | Cornell University
Cornell University
|
Ithaca United States
Visit institution website
for more information
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 knowledge of ecological and evolutionary concepts and research methods, mainly through seminars and coursework, along with specialized focus in specific areas (typically directed by the student's Special Committee). Each student's curriculum is customized to their academic goals. State-of-the-art laboratory facilities, nearby field sites, extensive collections, and libraries are accessible. A teaching requirement mandates that all students assist as teaching assistants for at least two semesters. Prospective graduate students are encouraged to reach out to the graduate field office or faculty members with questions.
Organismal biology, which examines structure, function, ecology, and evolution at the organism level, serves as both a vital research area and a foundation for broader ecological and evolutionary questions. It bridges ecology, physiology, and behavior with comparative genomics, evolutionary development, and phylogenetics. As more genomes are sequenced, organismal research grows increasingly valuable in comparative biology. EEB faculty strongly believe that ecological and evolutionary studies yield better results when researchers possess a deep, naturalist-inspired understanding of the organisms involved.
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.
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