Graduate Program

Graduate student working on computer.

Graduate Program

IE² offers world-class graduate training in ecology and evolutionary biology, preparing students to address fundamental and applied questions about life’s diversity. Our faculty and students study the organization and dynamics of communities and ecosystems, the genetic basis of adaptation, host-pathogen interactions, and the evolutionary processes that shape development and biodiversity. Research spans laboratory experiments, field studies across the globe, and cutting-edge computational approaches. 

Graduate students receive rigorous training in the fundamentals of ecology and evolution as well as advanced methods in molecular biology, genomics, theory, and field ecology. Beyond research skills, IE² emphasizes the development of the “whole scientist”: Students learn to frame original research questions, master state-of-the-art techniques, and communicate their findings to both scientific and public audiences. 

IE²’s graduate program is deeply collaborative, with strong ties to the departments of biology, computer science, data science, anthropology, geography, and geology as well as to the Institute of Molecular Biology, the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, and the Institute of Neuroscience. This broad network of connections provides unparalleled opportunities for cross-disciplinary training and discovery. In particular, faculty whose primary affiliation is in IE² can serve as the advisor for graduate students from other institutes, as well as a variety of different departments from across the university.

Students interested in being affiliated with IE² through Biology can find more information on admissions, requirements, and training opportunities available on the Biology Department website. Students interested in other departments should plan on submitting directly to those departments as outlined on their graduate admissions information pages.

 

Students have the opportunity to optionally join one of three training programs:

 

Molecular Biology and Biophysics

Genetics

Developmental Biology

Training
New graduate students rotate through the three labs in their first year to find the right fit for their dissertation research. First-year students work with an interim advisory committee to design their own curricula of coursework according to their specific backgrounds and interests. All graduate students are required to teach for at least one academic year during their graduate career. A portion of this teaching takes place during the first year. Students typically join a thesis lab at the end of their first year. During the second year, they must pass a comprehensive examination that requires the writing and oral defense of an original research proposal. Thereafter, the primary focus is on dissertation research. Students also participate in journal clubs and attend seminars by invited outside speakers. Advanced students regularly present their results to colleagues at the University of Oregon and at national and international conferences. 
Stipends and Benefits 
Stipend levels are adjusted annually to be competitive with those offered by other major research institutions. Sources of support include research assistantships, graduate teaching fellowships, and federally supported training grants. Several training grants are available to provide support for students, to fund student travel, to bring in outside speakers, and to enhance the overall training program. Students admitted to the training program will automatically be considered for support by an appropriate training grant. Graduate teaching fellows are part of the Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation (GTFF), a union that advocates for graduate students on campus. They have negotiated with the University so that fellows receive a competitive stipend and benefits package. This includes full medical, dental, prescription, and vision coverage. There is also childcare on campus for students with children. 

 

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