University of Oregon

What you'll study

This doctoral programme combines advanced coursework, rigorous quantitative and field methods training, and an extended independent research project leading to a dissertation. Typical curricular elements include core training in ecological theory and conservation science, methods and statistics, and electives that reflect the candidate's research focus.

• Core topics: conservation biology, population and community ecology, ecosystem processes, landscape ecology and restoration ecology.
• Methods and quantitative skills: experimental design, advanced statistics, spatial analysis and GIS, remote sensing, ecological modelling and data management.
• Human dimensions and policy: natural resource policy and governance, environmental economics, social-ecological systems and participatory methods for conservation planning.
• Research seminars and ethics: graduate seminars, research ethics, reproducible science and science communication.
• Field and laboratory work: opportunities for intensive field courses, long-term monitoring, manipulative experiments and laboratory analyses depending on project needs.

Programme structure commonly includes advanced coursework in the first one to two years, passing qualifying or comprehensive examinations, formation of a dissertation committee, proposal development and original research culminating in a written dissertation and oral defence. Many students gain teaching experience through graduate instructor roles and contribute to collaborative, interdisciplinary projects.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master's degree or a strong bachelor’s degree with substantial research experience. Admissions are competitive and evaluated holistically on the basis of academic preparation, research potential and fit with faculty expertise.

• Academic record: a transcript showing strong performance in relevant coursework (ecology, environmental science, natural resource management, or related fields).
• Research experience: demonstrated research ability through a master’s thesis, undergraduate honours project, published work or substantial lab/field research experience.
• Application materials: statement of research interests and goals, curriculum vitae, academic references (typically three), and a proposed research question or statement of purpose explaining alignment with faculty and departmental strengths.
• Standardised tests and language: some applicants may be asked for English proficiency evidence if their prior education was not in English; requirements for tests such as the GRE vary by programme and should be checked with the department.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Natural Resources Conservation and Research are prepared for research-intensive careers across academia, government, non-governmental organisations and the private sector. Doctoral training emphasises both technical expertise and the communication skills needed to translate research into practice.

• Academic careers: postdoctoral research positions, tenure-track faculty roles, and university-based research leadership.
• Government and public agencies: scientific and managerial roles in agencies responsible for forestry, wildlife, fisheries, land and water management, and environmental regulation.
• Non-profit and conservation organisations: senior scientist, programme manager, conservation planner or policy adviser for NGOs and foundations focused on biodiversity and landscape-scale conservation.
• Private and consulting sector: environmental consulting, natural resource assessment, ecosystem services valuation, habitat restoration and applied ecological modelling.

Why study at University of Oregon

The University of Oregon offers a strong environment for natural resources research, anchored by access to the Pacific Northwest’s diverse ecosystems—from coastal systems and temperate rainforests to montane and semi-arid landscapes. This geographic variety supports field-based research across scales and systems.

• Interdisciplinary centres and collaborations: students can engage with institutes and centres focused on ecology, conservation, climate science and socio-ecological research, facilitating collaborations across departments and with regional partners.
• Faculty expertise: a broad range of faculty researchers whose work spans conservation biology, landscape and watershed ecology, restoration, socio-ecological systems and spatial analytics.
• Research facilities and field stations: access to well-equipped laboratories, remote sensing and GIS resources, and nearby field stations and long-term ecological research sites for empirical work.
• Professional development: opportunities for teaching experience, grant writing, stakeholder engagement and public communication to prepare graduates for leadership roles in research and management.

Together, these elements provide a research-intensive doctoral training environment for students who aim to advance science and practice in natural resources conservation and management.