Ecology and Evolution

The Ecology and Evolution undergraduate program at the University of Pittsburgh offers students a comprehensive exploration of the natural world, focusing on the intricate interactions between organisms and their environments, as well as the evolutionary processes that have shaped the diversity of life on Earth. Designed for students interested in understanding ecological systems, evolutionary mechanisms, conservation, and environmental sustainability, this program combines rigorous coursework, innovative research opportunities, and practical fieldwork experiences. Students will engage with core topics such as population biology, community ecology, organismal biology, genetics, conservation biology, and evolutionary theory, preparing them for careers in research, environmental management, conservation, policy-making, or further academic study. The curriculum emphasizes scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to address real-world environmental challenges. Through laboratory experiments, field excursions, and collaborative projects, students will develop essential skills in data collection, analysis, and scientific communication. The program also provides opportunities to work with faculty members who are leading experts in their fields, fostering an environment of active learning and discovery. Graduates of the Ecology and Evolution program will be equipped with a solid foundation in biological sciences and the analytical tools necessary to contribute to the understanding and preservation of our planet’s ecosystems. Whether pursuing careers in academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private sectors, students will be prepared to make meaningful contributions to the study and conservation of biological diversity. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, extensive research centers, and a vibrant academic community, the University of Pittsburgh’s Ecology and Evolution undergraduate program offers an ideal environment for students eager to make a difference in the field of environmental sciences.

YEAR ONE

• Three 10-week research rotations; two may be in the same laboratory
• Begin coursework, typically taking two of the four formal courses you need to complete
• Participate in at least one semester of a literature review course
• Attend weekly research seminars given by graduate students
• Attend weekly Departmental seminars and associated journal club
• Participate in one or two Communications workshops
• Participate in the research ethics workshop
• Choose a mentor in April, at the end of the third rotation

YEAR TWO

• Begin dissertation research
• Complete your remaining formal coursework
• Complete the two semesters of literature review, if needed
• Take your comprehensive exam at the end of the spring semester
• Attend weekly research seminars given by graduate students
• Present a seminar in the graduate student seminar series
• Attend weekly Departmental seminars
• Participate in annual mentoring and advising meetings
• Possibly serve as a teaching assistant for one semester

YEAR THREE AND BEYOND

• Finish dissertation research, ideally in year 5
• Participate in annual mentoring and advising meetings
• Participate in seminar series
• Complete teaching requirement (if needed)
• Finish teaching minor (if chosen)
• Write thesis and defend it

Requirements

• Complete the online application (there is no cost, at the end of the application select "Payment by Check" but do not send a check)
• Choose Biological Sciences as the Department and either EE or MCDB as the Program
• A brief statement of your long-term professional goals. Describe your qualifications, scientific interests, your research experiences, and potential faculty advisors
• Three letters of recommendation (submitted online by the recommender after you initiate the application, or by mail at the address below)
• Copies of transcripts for all college-level institutions attended with degree conferred must be uploaded as well. These may be unofficial transcripts. Certified (official) transcripts and translations of all undergraduate and graduate study will be required at the time of matriculation (upon enrollment). 
• General Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required and Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology or Biology subject tests are encouraged, but not required
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores; the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences requires a minimum TOEFL score of 90, with a minimum score of 22 in each section. The minimal IELTS score in 7.0.
• Application fee - $50.00 US Dollars

Financial Support

WHAT IS MY FINANCIAL SUPPORT PACKAGE?

We are interested in students eager to obtain a high-quality graduate education, not financial investors. Moreover, we believe our graduate students should be concentrating on their research, not on trying to pay the rent. Therefore, our comprehensive package support students throughout their graduate careers. Features of our package include the following:

A competitive stipend. As of Fall 2016, the normal level of support is $27,761/year; the stipend amount typically increases by about 3-5% each year. Given Pittsburgh's low cost of living, this is a very comfortable income. For the first two semesters, this support is provided by the Department, independent of any teaching or research commitment. After the first two semesters, the student is usually supported by their faculty research advisor. Compensation is also provided during two semesters of training as a teaching assistant.

Health insurance. You're covered. The University of Pittsburgh provides excellent health insurance options, providing every student with complete medical coverage free of charge; supplementary dental and vision plans are also available. Rather than being limited to physicians at a student health service, every students is free to choose her/his own primary care physician. Moreover, spouses and children can be included in our medical plans at very reasonable costs.

Tuition waivers. Graduate tuition can be expensive. In our program, you will pay no fees; your tuition is paid in full each and every semester. Depending on your course load and residency status, this benefit can amount to more than $11,200 per semester.

Transportation waivers. With much thought to the future, the University of Pittsburgh has arranged for free transportation throughout Allegheny county via the PAT bus system. Any bus - any time, any where - is free, including those to downtown or to the airport. This benefit saves students the cost of monthly bus passes of parking permits.

Fellowship opportunities. There are many fellowship opportunities that provide for financial compensation, as well as provide excellent additions to a glowing CV (that's science talk for resumé). In addition, several research support awards are available to assist students in conducting research at the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology.

HOW FAR DOES MY STIPEND DOLLAR GO?

Rent. Graduate students in the Department of Biological Sciences pay between $200 and $600 per month for 2-4 bedroom apartments located within walking distance of the Department.

Transportation Recall that travel on all buses is free. If you need to drive your own car, parking in the Oakland area is relatively inexpensive for urban areas, and monthly parking passes cost about $55, or less than $2 a day.

Cost of living. Pittsburgh is consistently rated one of America's most livable cities due, in part, to its very low cost of living. A 1997 Money Magazine survey shows that Pittsburgh has one of the lowest costs of living for a city of this size. More recently, a 2004 survey of cities around the world showed Pittsburgh as the least expensive metropolitan area (in the US) in which to live. And the Economist ranked Pittsburgh as its most livable city (in the contonental US) in  2004, 2009 and 2014.

Taken together, our graduate students don't have financial worries while continuing their education and training, and have a great place to live!

The Ecology and Evolution program at the University of Pittsburgh offers students a comprehensive education in the biological sciences, focusing on the principles and processes that govern the diversity of life on Earth. This program emphasizes understanding the interactions between organisms and their environments, evolutionary mechanisms, ecological dynamics, and the application of this knowledge to real-world problems such as conservation, sustainability, and environmental management. Students pursuing this degree have opportunities to engage in research projects, fieldwork, and laboratory studies that enhance their understanding of ecological systems and evolutionary processes. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including population biology, community ecology, molecular evolution, genetics, and biodiversity. The program prepares graduates for careers in research, environmental consulting, conservation biology, and advanced study in graduate or professional schools. Additionally, students benefit from the university's well-equipped laboratories, field stations, and collaborations with faculty renowned in the fields of ecology and evolution. The program promotes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and data analysis skills, equipping students to contribute meaningfully to the understanding and preservation of biological diversity. Graduates often continue their education through master's or doctoral programs or enter employment in environmental agencies, non-profit organizations, or research institutions. The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows students to integrate knowledge from biology, geology, geography, and other related fields, fostering a holistic understanding of ecological and evolutionary principles critical for addressing contemporary environmental challenges.