University of Cincinnati

What you'll study

This PhD emphasises original research in ecology, evolution, systematics and population biology supported by a programme of advanced coursework and professional training. Typical components include:

• Discipline-focused seminars on evolutionary theory, community and ecosystem ecology, phylogenetics and systematics, population genetics and quantitative genetics.
• Advanced methods and statistics courses covering ecological modelling, population and phylogenetic comparative methods, spatial statistics, Bayesian inference and experimental design.
• Laboratory and field methods training in molecular techniques, morphological systematics, mark–recapture, stable isotopes, remote sensing and ecological monitoring, tailored to students’ projects.
• Research rotation or practicum options early in the programme to identify a dissertation advisor and refine a research question in a faculty research group.
• Teaching and professional development opportunities, including graduate teaching assistantships, science communication, grant-writing workshops and ethics in research.
• Qualifying examinations and dissertation: students prepare and defend a research proposal/qualifying exam before progressing to independent dissertation research and an oral defence of the dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a strong bachelor’s degree in biology or a related discipline; many successful applicants hold a relevant master's degree and have prior research experience. Typical admissions requirements include:

• A degree in biology, ecology, evolution, zoology, plant sciences or a closely related field with a solid grounding in genetics, ecology and statistics.
• Demonstrated research experience, such as an honours project, master’s thesis, or equivalent laboratory/field work, described in a personal statement and supported by references.
• Academic transcripts, a CV, and contact details for academic referees who can comment on research potential.
• A research statement outlining proposed PhD topics and potential faculty mentors within the programme.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English, where required by university policy.

Standardised test requirements (for example, GRE) and specific prerequisite courses may vary; applicants should consult the programme’s admissions page or contact the graduate coordinator for current details. Exceptional candidates with quantitative or computational strengths but non-traditional backgrounds are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Career prospects

Graduates of this PhD programme pursue careers across academia, government, non-governmental organisations and the private sector. Common career paths include:

• Postdoctoral research and faculty positions in universities and research institutes focused on evolution, ecology or systematics.
• Research roles in government agencies and environmental consultancies working on conservation biology, natural-resource management, biodiversity assessment and policy development.
• Positions in museums, botanical gardens and zoos involving collection-based research, taxonomy and curatorial work.
• Data-science and bioinformatics roles in industry and non-profit organisations using ecological and genomic data for applied research.
• Science communication, outreach and leadership roles within conservation organisations, NGOs and education institutions.

Why study at University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers an interdisciplinary environment with faculty whose research covers molecular evolution, macroecology, population dynamics, systematics and conservation. Students benefit from access to diverse research facilities, museum and herbarium collections, and extensive regional field sites across the Midwest and Ohio River corridor.

Collaborations with local institutions, including the city’s zoo and botanical garden, provide opportunities for applied research, species monitoring and public outreach. Graduate students typically receive close mentorship from research-active supervisors, opportunities for teaching experience, and professional-development resources to build the skills needed for competitive research and applied careers.