University of San Francisco

What you'll study

This doctoral programme combines advanced coursework with independent research. Core subject areas include evolutionary theory, population genetics, phylogenetics and systematics, community and ecosystem ecology, population dynamics, and quantitative methods for ecology and evolution (biostatistics, modelling, and computational approaches). Students also learn field and laboratory techniques appropriate to their research, such as ecological monitoring, experimental design, molecular methods, and bioinformatics.

Typical programme components include:

• Advanced seminars in evolution, systematics, and ecology that emphasise primary literature and critical analysis.
• Quantitative courses in statistics, modelling, and computational biology tailored to ecological and evolutionary data.
• Methods training in molecular systematics, genomics, ecological sampling, experimental design and observational techniques.
• Research rotations or short-term collaborations with faculty to develop a dissertation topic and methods.
• A qualifying examination or dissertation proposal defence to advance to candidacy.
• Independent dissertation research supervised by a faculty advisor, culminating in a written thesis and oral defence.
• Opportunities for teaching experience and science communication training through departmental and university programmes.

Entry requirements

Admission is selective and typically requires a strong background in biology or a closely related field. Competitive applicants ordinarily have:

• A relevant undergraduate degree; many successful applicants hold a master's degree with research experience, although strong candidates with only a bachelor's may be considered.
• Demonstrated research experience in ecology, evolution, systematics, or population biology through publications, independent projects, or significant laboratory/field work.
• A solid foundation in statistics and quantitative methods; coursework or demonstrated competence in mathematics, statistics, or computing is highly desirable.
• Academic transcripts, a statement of research interests outlining potential dissertation directions, a curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation from academic or research supervisors.
• Evidence of fit with faculty research interests; applicants are encouraged to identify potential advisors and contact faculty whose research aligns with their interests prior to applying.

Applicants should consult the department's graduate admissions pages for the current application materials and any test-score policies.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD in this field move into a range of careers. Many pursue academic positions as postdoctoral researchers and faculty, leading independent research programmes in evolution, ecology and systematics. Others work in ecological and conservation research at government agencies, environmental consultancies, non-governmental organisations, and natural history museums. Additional career paths include roles in science policy, environmental monitoring and management, biodiversity informatics, biotechnology companies that apply evolutionary or genomic methods, and science communication and education.

Why study at University of San Francisco

The University of San Francisco offers doctoral students the advantage of a campus located near highly diverse habitats—from coastal and marine environments to Mediterranean-type landscapes—providing local field sites for ecological and evolutionary studies. Faculty in the biology and related departments work on a range of organisms and scales, enabling interdisciplinary and comparative research. The university's size supports close mentorship and collaborative relationships between students and advisors, and its Bay Area location provides access to a broad network of research institutions, museums, conservation organisations and biotech companies for partnerships and career opportunities.

Doctoral students benefit from hands-on field and laboratory training, opportunities to teach and mentor undergraduates, and a departmental culture that emphasises rigorous quantitative skills and reproducible research approaches relevant to contemporary problems in ecology and evolution.