Dartmouth College

What you'll study

The doctoral programme centres on hypothesis-driven research in areas such as evolutionary biology, population genetics, phylogenetics and systematics, community and ecosystem ecology, and theoretical and quantitative biology. Students typically combine advanced coursework with intensive laboratory, computational and field research under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Core topics you can expect to cover include population and quantitative genetics, phylogenetic methods, macro- and microevolutionary theory, community ecology and food-web dynamics, ecological modelling and statistics, and modern methods in biodiversity assessment.

The degree pathway emphasises methodological training: courses in statistical inference, programming for data analysis (e.g. R or Python), spatial ecology and Bayesian methods are commonly part of the curriculum. Students design and execute an original research programme, pass departmental qualifying assessments, and present and defend a written dissertation. Interdisciplinary collaboration with related units—such as environmental studies, computer science, engineering, or the Dartmouth Institute for Data Science—occurs frequently, reflecting the programme's quantitative and applied breadth.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a strong bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, or a closely related quantitative science; many successful applicants hold a master's degree or equivalent research experience. Typical academic preparation includes coursework in genetics, ecology, mathematics or statistics, and experience with experimental, observational or computational research.

Application materials normally include an academic transcript, a CV, a statement of research interests outlining potential dissertation directions, and letters of recommendation from academic or research supervisors. Evidence of quantitative competence and prior research (publications, theses, or detailed project descriptions) strengthens an application. Standardised test requirements vary and should be checked with the department; English language proficiency tests are required for applicants whose first language is not English.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme pursue a range of careers. Many continue in academia through postdoctoral positions and faculty appointments, conducting independent research and teaching. Others move into research roles at government agencies (for example, environmental and wildlife agencies), conservation organisations and NGOs, or applied research in biotechnology and environmental consulting. The programme also prepares graduates for data-intensive roles in industry and policy, science communication and outreach, and leadership positions in natural resource management and conservation planning.

Why study at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth offers a collegial, research-intensive environment with close faculty-student mentorship and relatively small graduate cohorts, enabling personalised supervision of dissertation work. The college's New England location provides easy access to a range of field sites—from forests and freshwater systems to coastal environments—supporting empirical and long-term ecological research. Students benefit from access to laboratory facilities, high-performance computing resources, and interdisciplinary collaborations across departments and institutes.

Additionally, teaching opportunities with a strong undergraduate programme allow doctoral students to develop pedagogy and communication skills. The combination of rigorous quantitative training, field and laboratory access, and an emphasis on mentorship makes Dartmouth well suited to students aiming to produce high-impact evolutionary and ecological research while preparing for diverse career paths.