Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Field of Study: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Degree Program Description:
The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology program at Rice University offers students a comprehensive education in the biological processes that shape the diversity of life on Earth. This program emphasizes understanding the mechanisms governing the interaction between organisms and their environments, as well as the evolutionary pathways that have led to the current diversity of species. Students will explore core concepts in ecology, such as population dynamics, community interactions, ecosystem processes, and conservation strategies, alongside evolutionary principles including natural selection, genetic variation, speciation, and adaptive evolution. The curriculum is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, encouraging students to develop research competencies through laboratory work, field studies, and data analysis. The program prepares students for careers in research, environmental management, conservation biology, academia, or further graduate study. Interdisciplinary coursework enables students to integrate principles from genetics, molecular biology, earth sciences, and data science. Faculty mentorship and access to state-of-the-art facilities foster an environment conducive to innovative research. Graduates of the program will be equipped to address pressing environmental challenges, contribute to scientific understanding of biological systems, and promote sustainable practices. Overall, the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology program at Rice University aims to cultivate a new generation of scientists, educators, and policymakers committed to preserving the diversity and health of our planet's ecosystems for future generations.

Most of the formal course studies will be completed in the first year of residence to allow the students to begin thesis research at the end of their second semester at Rice. Entering students will meet with a faculty advisor to form a course of study of the first year. Students should have completed coursework in ecology, evolution (or equivalent), mathematics (including calculus), and statistics prior to admission. Deficiencies in these subject areas should be made up during the first year of residence; some may be waived at the discretion of the EEB Graduate Advising Committee and the EEB Graduate Program Director.

The following Rice courses must be taken if students lack course work in ecology or evolution in their undergraduate transcript: 

• EBIO 325 Ecology 
• EBIO 334/BIOC 334 Evolution 

All PhD students are required to take the following graduate-level courses: 

• EBIO 569 Core course in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (required in first year) 
• EBIO 561/562/563/568 Topics in Evolution/Behavioral Biology/Ecology/Biological Diversity (two semesters of any combination of EBIO “Topics” courses) 
• EBIO 585/586 Graduate Research Seminar in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (required in all years of residency) 
• EBIO 591 Graduate Teaching (two semesters) 
• EBIO 800 Graduate Research (required after the first year of residency) 

All students are required to take EBIO 569 in their first semester. Students must enroll in EBIO 585/586 during all years of residency. Students must complete at least six credit hours in a “Topics” course of their choice (EBIO 561/562/563/668) before defending their proposal, and students are strongly encouraged to take at least one topics course per semester during all years of residency. Students must complete two semesters of EBIO 591 during their first four semesters to gain teaching experience; additional teaching experiences are available on an optional basis.

Evaluation of Progress in Graduate Study:  

Students must maintain a minimum grade average of B in courses taken in the department and satisfactory grades in courses taken outside the department. Students must demonstrate satisfactory progress in their degree program in annual reviews by the EEB Graduate Advising Committee. The review process requires that each student:

• presents a public seminar on their research on Graduate Science Day
• prepares a written report on their progress

First-year students must also participate in an interview with the EEB Graduate Advising Committee. 

In addition to the general university requirements and those listed above, the PhD degree in ecology and evolutionary biology requires:

• Passing the admission to candidacy examination given by the Graduate Thesis Committee. (The committee will be composed of at least four members. At least three must be members of the EEB graduate program faculty and one member has to be outside the EEB graduate program.)
• Complete an original investigation and a doctoral thesis with at least three chapters with the potential to produce publications in reputable, peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Present a departmental seminar on the research
• Publicly defend the doctoral thesis

Applicants for graduate study in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology must have: BA or BS degree or equivalent that provides a strong background in biology, strong ability and motivation, as indicated by academic record and letters of recommendation, and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores. Scores from the GRE Biology subject exam are optional but can be helpful, particularly for students with nontraditional backgrounds in biology. These requirements do not preclude admission of qualified applicants who have majored in areas other than biology. Students should have completed coursework in ecology, evolution (or equivalent), mathematics (including calculus), and statistics prior to admission. Deficiencies in these subject areas or in specific areas of biology should be made up during the first year of residence; some may be waived at the discretion of the student's advisory committee and the department chair. Although the department offers MA and MS degrees, the department does not guarantee funding for MA/MS students; funding must be provided by the prospective advisor. Questions about admission to the EEB graduate program should be sent to eebgradapps@rice.edu. We encourage you to contact faculty and/or EEB track graduate students to obtain further information about graduate study in our department.

• Transcript
• Recommendations
• GRE and TOEFL

Scholarships

Incoming students who do not hold external fellowships will be awarded a Rice University Graduate Fellowship for the first year of study. The fellowship is comprised of a full tuition waiver and a stipend to cover living expenses. The annual stipend (including summer support) for the 2016-17 academic year is $25,000, which is sufficient to live well as a student given Houston's low cost of living. Support beyond the first year is extended to all students who remain in good standing in the program.

Stipend levels are reviewed annually and periodically increased to maintain competitiveness with comparable institutions. If externally obtained stipends should fall below the department's stated level, a supplement is provided. Students who are able to obtain their own independent funding are potentially eligible for additional bonus pay by the department to supplement their stipend.

The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Rice University offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex interactions between organisms and their environments. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of biological diversity, ecological processes, evolutionary mechanisms, and the impact of environmental changes on living systems. Through rigorous coursework and research opportunities, students develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a strong foundation in scientific methods.

The curriculum includes courses in ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics, botany, zoology, and organismal biology, complemented by supporting coursework in chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Students have access to modern laboratories and field sites for hands-on learning and research, facilitating practical experience in data collection, analysis, and scientific communication. The program emphasizes the importance of understanding biological systems at multiple levels, from molecules to ecosystems, preparing graduates for diverse careers in research, conservation, environmental policy, and education.

Students are encouraged to participate in research projects, often collaborating with faculty members who are active researchers in their fields. Opportunities for internships, fieldwork, and study-abroad programs are also available, enriching the educational experience. The department promotes a collaborative environment, fostering interactions among students, faculty, and the wider scientific community.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are well-equipped for graduate studies or careers in ecology, conservation biology, environmental consulting, wildlife management, or related fields. The program aims to produce scientifically literate individuals with a passion for understanding and protecting the natural world, contributing to solutions for ecological and environmental challenges faced globally.