University of North Dakota

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework, regular seminar participation and an extended independent research project leading to a doctoral dissertation. Core topics you can expect to study include evolutionary theory and macroevolution, population and quantitative genetics, phylogenetics and systematics, community and landscape ecology, life-history evolution, eco-evolutionary dynamics, and conservation biology.

Training emphasises empirical and theoretical approaches: common components are advanced statistics and modelling for evolutionary and ecological data, molecular methods for population and phylogenetic inference, experimental design, and spatial ecology. Students also take part in journal clubs and research seminars, develop teaching skills through teaching assistantships or lecturing opportunities, and may undertake collaborative projects that integrate genomics, field ecology and computational analysis.

Typical programme structure includes an initial period of coursework and lab rotations or matched advising, a qualifying examination or dissertation proposal defence, and several years of dissertation research and publication. Students design an individualised study plan with their advisory committee to ensure coverage of methodological skills (e.g. R, bioinformatics, Bayesian methods), field techniques, and disciplinary breadth required for their research goals.

Entry requirements

• Relevant advanced degree: A master's degree in biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, systematics, or a closely related discipline is normally expected; applicants with a strong bachelor’s degree plus substantial research experience may also be considered.
• Academic record: A competitive academic record in previous university study, with evidence of course work in ecology, evolution, genetics and mathematics/statistics where applicable.
• Research experience: Demonstrated research potential through prior thesis work, publications, technical reports or extensive laboratory or field experience is important.
• Application materials: A detailed statement of purpose outlining research interests, a current CV, official academic transcripts, and at least three academic or professional letters of recommendation.
• English language proficiency: For international applicants, proof of English language competence is required if previous tertiary education was not conducted in English; acceptable tests and minimum scores follow the university’s general admissions policy.
• Funding/assistantship expectations: Many doctoral students are supported by research or teaching assistantships; applicants should consult faculty webpages for potential advisors and funding opportunities and be prepared to discuss fit with prospective supervisors.

Career prospects

Graduates from this PhD are prepared for careers in academic research and teaching, working as tenure-track faculty, postdoctoral researchers or university lecturers. Outside academia, alumni commonly move into positions with government natural resource and wildlife agencies, environmental consultancies, conservation NGOs, and museums and herbaria focused on systematics and biodiversity curation.

Other career paths include roles in applied ecology and conservation planning, ecological or genomic data analysis in industry, science policy, environmental impact assessment, and science communication. The quantitative and molecular skills developed in the programme also translate to careers in bioinformatics, ecological modelling, and roles that require advanced data-analytic expertise.

Why study at University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers access to a diversity of study systems — prairie and agricultural landscapes, wetlands, riparian corridors and northern forest transition zones — allowing doctoral research across field and freshwater ecosystems close to campus. The Department of Biology has faculty with active research programmes spanning evolutionary biology, population genetics, systematics, and community ecology, providing potential advisors across multiple subdisciplines.

Students benefit from departmental resources and core facilities, including molecular laboratories, computing support for bioinformatics and statistical modelling, and field equipment for long-term ecological studies. Collaborative opportunities exist across campus and with regional research centres and agencies, enabling interdisciplinary projects and applied conservation work. Finally, funded assistantships and teaching experiences help students develop professional skills in research, communication and pedagogy essential for diverse career paths.