University of Michigan
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Ecologists and evolutionary biologists seek to understand the origin and complex interactions of the earth's biodiversity and ecosystems. Faculty and graduate students within the EEB Department include ecologists, evolutionary biologists, organismal biologists and systematists who analyze such topics as behavior, biogeochemistry, population dynamics, community structure, environmental physiology, disease ecology, biogeography, life history evolution, selection, speciation, species interactions, and phylogenetics. Their techniques include comparative and experimental approaches in ecology, ethology, genetics, molecular biology, morphology, paleontology, physiology, biochemistry and cytology. Many members of this group are specialists on particular groups of organisms.

Ph.D. Program (requirements)

The field of ecology and evolutionary biology is currently undergoing a dynamic phase of intellectual growth, with the emergence of multiple new fields and novel opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The University of Michigan's Ph.D. Program is designed to capitalize upon this vibrant intellectual environment, providing a rigorous, integrative academic experience that encourages the development and exploration of individual research goals. Completion of a dissertation research project under the guidance of a major advisor is the primary goal of your EEB doctoral studies. We are proud to offer a competitive support package to our doctoral students for a full five years of study.

Frontiers Master's Program (requirements)

This NSF-funded master's program has three primary goals:

• To bring students to the study of ecology and evolution who might not otherwise have considered it
• To give students opportunities to learn about the full range of subjects in ecology and evolution
• To prepare students to succeed in top-rated Ph.D. programs in ecology and evolution.

Traditional Master's Program (requirements)

This flexible program serves a variety of career objectives, such as teaching in secondary schools, employment in a variety of research-oriented jobs, interpretive work in parks and nature centers, and preparation for further professional training. A master's student has the option of obtaining either a course-work only degree or a research-based thesis degree. Master's students are encouraged to seek research experience with one or more of the faculty.

Faculty research interests

See the main research page for descriptions of research areas in EEB and a list of faculty accepting students for training in their labs.

What's it like to be a grad student at EEB? Take a look at our "Day in the life of a graduate" page.

Prospective student FAQs

Answers to real questions asked by students interested in EEB at U-M.

EEB application requirements

Everything you need to know about submitting application materials to EEB Ph.D. and M.S. programs.

Housing resources:

• UHousing at U-M
• Arbor Web
• mlive.com
• Uloop

Rackham Graduate School

The Rackham Graduate School works with faculty, students and staff across U-M to promote excellence in graduate education for over 7,000 students in 104 doctoral and 90 master's programs.

Living in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is a small cosmopolitan city in southeast Michigan, approximately one hour west of the greater Detroit metropolitan area. Find out more information about this eclectic city.

Michigan information

For general information, newspapers and assorted listings:

• Arbor Web
• mlive.com