Ecology

The Duke University Ecology Program offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive education designed to prepare students for addressing complex environmental challenges through scientific inquiry and practical application. This program provides a strong foundation in ecological principles, evolutionary biology, and conservation techniques, equipping graduates with the skills to understand and analyze the interactions between organisms and their environments across multiple spatial and temporal scales. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and experiential learning, integrating classroom instruction with field research, laboratory analysis, and community engagement activities.

Students in the Ecology Program have access to cutting-edge research facilities and are encouraged to participate in ongoing projects that span ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity conservation, climate change impacts, and sustainable resource management. The program emphasizes an integrative approach, combining biology, geology, environmental science, and social sciences to address real-world ecological issues. Under the guidance of experienced faculty members, students develop critical thinking, data analysis, and scientific communication skills essential for careers in research, policy, environmental consulting, and conservation organizations.

Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to pursue internships, fieldwork opportunities, and collaborative projects with governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and research institutes. The program also offers specialized courses in topics such as ecosystem ecology, population biology, environmental policy, and climate science, enabling students to tailor their education to specific interests and career goals. Graduates of the Duke Ecology Program are well-equipped to contribute to scientific research, environmental management, and the development of sustainable solutions that benefit ecosystems and human societies alike. The program aims to foster a new generation of ecological thinkers and leaders dedicated to preserving Earth's biodiversity and promoting ecological resilience for future generations.

First semester

• Meet with major professor before registration for spring semester.
• International students whose native language is not English must pass the English proficiency test or take Composition and Oral Communication listed as Graduate Studies 200 A & B in the first year. 
• Required fall semester Ecology Class (semester 1 of 2)

Second semester

• Begin to identify potential faculty members for your PhD committee. Consult with major professor.
• Meet with major professor before the end of the semester for progress review and for request of continuation of financial aid.

Third semester

• Required fall semester Ecology Class (semester 2 of 2)
• By now you will have identified your Ph.D. Committee, with at least 3 from the Duke Ecology Program.
  • Hold a certification meeting for a proposed program of study with your committee before registration for spring term. The report of the certification meeting to your committee should include a plan for your major and minor courses and a proposed dissertation topic. As a program requirement, you have to fill out this form, have your committee sign it, and then turn it in to the DGSA (Danielle Wiggins).
  • To officially form your committee, fill out this form. To fill out this form, enter the date, your name, the department name (Ecology) and the list of committee members. You must put one of the committee member names on the last line directly above “minor area representative.” E-mail this document as an attachment to Danielle Wiggins.

Fourth semester

• Meet with your PhD committee before the end of the semester for progress review (and for request of continuation of financial aid, if appropriate). Email written progress report to the DGSA (see Form at the end of this document), major professor, and committee members.

Fifth semester

• Take oral preliminary exam (normal time).
  • Formal notice in writing must be sent to the DGSA two weeks prior to the exam. This list should include a list of your committee members who will be in attendance, their email addresses, and the time and location of your exam.
  • Bring this form to your preliminary exam, fill it out, and return it to Danielle Wiggins.
  • Each committee member must fill out a UPE SACS rubric (UPE SACS preliminary exam) and forward it to Meg Stephens following the preliminary exam.
  • Exams must occur while a term for which you are registered is in session unless prior approval has been granted by the Associate Dean of the Graduate School.
  • Your committee needs to be approved by the Graduate School at least 30 days prior to the exam; see 3rd semester for this procedure and form.
  • If a committee member needs to participate remotely (i.e. via phone or video call), you must first email the UPE DGS and have them request permission for you. You will then receive instructions for remote participation to share with the committee member.

Sixth semester

• Oral preliminary exam must be completed. If it is not, a request for extension must be sent to the Graduate School by the DGS and student advisor.
• Normally, this is the last semester of coursework. Be sure that minor area proficiency and departmental (or committee) course requirements have been met.
• Email progress report to DGSA, major professor, and committee members.

Seventh semester

• Ensure that all TA requirements are fulfilled. TA requirements include conducting teaching services for one semester as a TA assigned to a course.

Eighth semester

• Email progress report to DGSA, major professor, and committee members.

Tenth semester

• Normally all PhD students should be finished by the end of the semester.
• Set up your dissertation defense.
  • Intent to Receive a Degree Form must be filed by January 25 for May graduation; by July 1 for September graduation; by November 1 for December graduation. 
  • Formal notice in writing must be sent to the DGSA two weeks prior to the dissertation defense. This list should include a list of your committee members who will be in attendance, their e-mail addresses, and the time and location of your defense.
  • The defense must occur while in a term for which you are registered in unless prior approval has been granted by the Associate Dean of the Graduate School.
  • In the event of a committee member participating remotely, permission from the Associate Dean of the Graduate School needs to be in place at least 30 days prior to the exam. Only one committee member can be approved to participate remotely in the defense.

• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Resume
• GRE scores
• English language proficiency test scores (if English is not your first language)
• GPA
• The application fee is $85

The Ecology program at Duke University offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their academic journey. For both undergraduate and graduate students, Duke provides various scholarships, fellowships, and financial aid packages designed to make education accessible and affordable. Undergraduate students enrolling in the Ecology program can apply for need-based financial aid through the Duke Financial Aid Office, which evaluates the applicant's financial circumstances to determine the eligibility for grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. Additionally, merit-based scholarships are available for exceptional students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement or research potential in ecological studies.

Graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in Ecology may seek funding through departmental fellowships, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships. These positions often provide a stipend along with tuition remission, reducing the financial burden of graduate studies. Duke also encourages applicants to explore external funding sources such as national research grants, private foundations, and environmental organizations committed to ecological research and conservation.

Students are advised to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and any other relevant financial documentation early in the admissions process to maximize their chances of receiving aid. The university also has financial counseling services to assist students in understanding their options and managing their finances effectively. Overall, Duke University prioritizes supporting students financially to facilitate access to its Ecology program, fostering an environment where talented individuals can pursue their ecological research passions without undue financial hardship.

The Duke University Ecology program is a comprehensive academic offering designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the biological interactions within ecosystems and the environmental challenges faced by our planet. The program combines rigorous coursework, experiential learning, and research opportunities to prepare students for careers in conservation, environmental consulting, research, and policy-making. Students enrolled in the Ecology program at Duke have access to a diverse array of courses covering topics such as terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, ecological modeling, environmental microbiology, and conservation biology. The curriculum is designed to integrate principles from biology, earth sciences, and environmental policy, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to ecological issues.

Duke University emphasizes hands-on learning, enabling students to engage in fieldwork both locally and globally. Facilities such as the Duke Forest and Duke Lemur Center offer practical environments for ecological research and field studies. Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in research projects led by faculty members who are internationally recognized experts in the field of ecology. These projects often focus on pressing ecological issues such as climate change impacts, habitat restoration, invasive species management, and sustainable resource use.

The program also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to work across departments and with external agencies. The university’s strong emphasis on research and experiential education ensures that students graduate with not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills. Many students go on to pursue advanced degrees in ecology, environmental science, or related fields, while others enter roles in government agencies, NGOs, or private sectors involved in environmental management and policy.

The ecology faculty at Duke are dedicated educators and researchers who provide mentorship and guidance throughout the students' academic journeys. The university also hosts seminars, workshops, and conferences that keep students engaged with current ecological research and policies. Overall, the Duke University Ecology program aims to develop environmentally conscious leaders equipped with scientific expertise and practical experience to address global ecological challenges.