Dartmouth College

What you'll study

This master's programme combines core theoretical foundations with practical, quantitative and field-based training. Typical topics and modules include:

• Evolutionary theory and comparative methods — population-level processes, speciation, phylogenetics and comparative analyses of trait evolution.
• Population genetics and genomics — genetic drift, selection, gene flow, molecular markers and introductory population genomic approaches.
• Systematics and phylogenetic reconstruction — morphological and molecular systematics, tree-building methods and taxonomic practice.
• Community and ecosystem ecology — species interactions, community structure, metapopulation dynamics and ecosystem function.
• Quantitative methods and statistics — statistical ecology, model-based inference, Bayesian methods, spatial analysis and ecological modelling.
• Field methods and experimental design — survey techniques, experimental manipulations, long-term monitoring and data collection in terrestrial and freshwater systems.
• Seminars and professional skills — journal clubs, scientific communication, grant writing and ethics in field research.

Programme structure is typically a combination of taught coursework and an independent research project or thesis supervised by a faculty member. Students gain hands-on experience through fieldwork on nearby forests, freshwater systems and alpine habitats, laboratory experiments and computational projects. Interdisciplinary collaboration with related departments (for example ecology, earth sciences or computer science) is common to support genomic, modelling and conservation applications.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, genetics, or a closely related discipline. Strong applicants typically demonstrate:

• A solid foundation in organismal biology, ecology and evolutionary concepts;
• Quantitative skills, such as statistics, mathematics or programming (experience with R, Python or similar tools is advantageous);
• Documented research experience or relevant fieldwork, whether through undergraduate research projects, internships or professional positions;
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests and fit with potential supervisors, academic transcripts, a CV and multiple academic references.

Standardised test requirements and residency or funding conditions vary; applicants should consult the department for current admissions policies and guidance on international transcripts or English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme pursue a range of careers in academia, government, non-profit and private sectors. Common pathways include:

• Progression to doctoral study in ecology, evolution, conservation biology or related fields;
• Research scientist or technician roles in university labs, museums or government agencies conducting biodiversity, ecological or genetic studies;
• Conservation practitioner or ecological consultant positions working on habitat management, species recovery and environmental impact assessments;
• Data- and computational-focused roles such as ecological modeller, bioinformatician or environmental data analyst;
• Science communication, policy and education roles in NGOs, governmental bodies or public outreach.

The programme emphasises both rigorous research skills and professional development, preparing graduates to contribute to evidence-based conservation, natural resource management and interdisciplinary research teams.

Why study at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth offers a small, closely mentored graduate environment where students work directly with faculty on focused research projects. The college's location provides convenient access to diverse field sites — temperate forests, rivers and alpine areas — which support a wide range of empirical studies and long-term ecological research. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across departments and access to laboratory facilities, computing resources and local networks of conservation organisations.

Class sizes and research groups at Dartmouth tend to be small, which fosters close mentorship, frequent interaction with advisors and opportunities to take leadership in field programmes and seminars. The department places a strong emphasis on quantitative training, reproducible research practices and professional skills that help graduates move into research careers, advanced study or applied environmental roles.